Gold Ducat, Michael (Michele) Steno as Doge (1400 -1413)
Mint: Venice
3.48 g (0.995 gold), 19-20 mm (Choice AU or better)
Coppola Collection

Starting in the 13th century, the Republic of Venice minted the Venetian gold ducat, or zecchino. The design of the coin remained unchanged for over 500 years, from its introduction in 1284 to the takeover of Venice by Napoleon in 1797. No other coin design has ever been produced over such a long period of time.

The coin was initially called a “ducat” (ducato), for the ruling Doge (Duke) of Venice, who was prominently depicted on it. It was then called the zecchino, after the Zecca (mint) of Venice, from 1543. when Venice began minting a silver coin also called a ducat.

Obverse: Jesus in a standing position with a halo around his head and 2 columns of stars along the sides of his body.

Reverse: Saint Mark standing as the (prevailing) Duke of Venice kneels before him.

Michael (Michele) Steno (also Michiel Sten in Venetian Language) was born in 1331 and died December 26, 1413. Steno was a Venetian statesman who served as the 63rd Doge of Venice from December 1, 1400 until his death. An old and ill man in his late years, Steno died at 82, and was interred in the Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo, a traditional burial place of the doges.