CNG 106, Lot: 924. Estimate $750. Sold for $950. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CRUSADERS, Principality of Achaea. Robert d’Anjou (de Taranto). 1333-1364. AV Ducat (21mm, 3.54 g, 1h). Imitating Venezia. Uncertain mint. Struck in the name and types of Andrea Dandolo, doge de Venezia, 1343-1354. S/N/V/Є/N/Є/T/I D/V/X ANDR DANDVO (S and third N sideways), St. Mark standing right, lowering head to and receiving banner from Doge kneeling left / ZIT T XPЄ DAT Q TV ROIZ IZTЄ ЭVCATT, Christ standing facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels, surrounded by mandorla containing nine stars. Cf. Ives pl. XIII; cf. Schlumberger p. 21 (additions) and pl. XXI, 19-22; cf. Gamberini 344; Friedberg 38a var. (K on obv.); cf. Triton XII, lots 886-7; CNG Inventory 867519 (same dies). EF.

The Venetian style imitative ducati copying the types such as Andrea Dandolo are traditionally attributed to Robert d'Anjou (de Taranto) as the Prince of Achaea, but their widespread circulation and their numerous varieties leaves open the possibility of other minting sites, such as Chios under Genoa or Mytilene under the Gattilusi, as these venues served as the principal trade currency of the Crusader east for several decades in the last half of the 14th century.