Our good friend John (@panzerman) once narrated a story about trying to educate some of the people in his local coin club by displaying a 10 zecchini coin and was asked why the coin was named after a vegetable. Well I managed to find this ‘vegetable’ recently: Italy - Venice ND (c.1771-73) Gold Striking of Scudo della Croce (140 Soldi) in the Weight of 12 Zecchini - Doge Alvise Mocenigo IV Auctioneer’s Description: "KM-Pn181; Gamberini-1644. A very rare large size gold striking similar in essence to a pattern or trial strike. In a very pleasing state of preservation. Nicely struck showing only some minor doubling of letters and bold devices throughout, impressive on a piece of this diameter. The surfaces show no signs of mal-treatment or efforts at improvement giving a very wholesome and original appearance. The fields show little in the way of signs of contact or handling and certainly no marks large enough to be considered detracting." To me the devices and legends all seem to be very clear and well struck, making it a suitable candidate for re-grading. I haven’t been able to find many other examples or a great deal of information on this issue except that these were not common and were used either as gifts or for payments to architects/sculptors/artists who impressed the Doge (ruler). Heritage sold an extremely high grade and well preserved example of a 15 z coin for an eye watering amount not too long ago. Any information from fellow members would be welcomed.
I've posted this on the World Coins forum as well but expect a bigger response for additional information or suggestions here Our good friend John (@panzerman) once narrated a story about trying to educate some of the people in his local coin club by displaying a 10 zecchini coin and was asked why the coin was named after a vegetable. Well I managed to find this ‘vegetable’ recently: Italy - Venice ND (c.1771-73) Gold Striking of Scudo della Croce (140 Soldi) in the Weight of 12 Zecchini - Doge Alvise Mocenigo IV Auctioneer’s Description: "KM-Pn181; Gamberini-1644. A very rare large size gold striking similar in essence to a pattern or trial strike. In a very pleasing state of preservation. Nicely struck showing only some minor doubling of letters and bold devices throughout, impressive on a piece of this diameter. The surfaces show no signs of mal-treatment or efforts at improvement giving a very wholesome and original appearance. The fields show little in the way of signs of contact or handling and certainly no marks large enough to be considered detracting." To me the devices and legends all seem to be very clear and well struck, making it a suitable candidate for re-grading. I haven’t been able to find many other examples or a great deal of information on this issue except that these were not common and were used either as gifts or for payments to architects/sculptors/artists who impressed the Doge (ruler). Heritage sold an extremely high grade and well preserved example of a 15 z coin for an eye watering amount not too long ago. Any information from fellow members would be welcomed.
I think people at the two big grading companies will understand this coin better. One cannot expect the strike etc. to be similar to a modern so I'll most probably submit it for re-grading.
Trying to find your coin in my Krause catalog. What size is your coin in millimeters ? I see something similar to your coin but they are made of silver. ???
The weight is 1.3217 oz. Don't have the diameter. Apparently these were off-metal strikes struck from dies intended for silver coins. Hence the relative rarity especially in high grades.
Sorry.....I missed all the action. I have been working long hours ever since snow melted end of March. First off, amazing 12 Zecchini Wreath Crown!!!!!!!! Venice struck some coinage from 1/4 Zecchino right up to 105 Zecchinis. Some Doges have 15+ denominations. So, congratulations on your beautifull AV 12 Z. John
