Sale: Triton VIII, Lot: 1688. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Monday, 10 January 2005.  Sold For $1000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Venice. Andrea Gritti.1523-1538. AV Scudo (3.31 gm, 3h). (Maltese cross) •ANDREAS•GRITI•DVX•VENETIAR•, cross fleurée; grain ears at ends / +•SANCTVS•MARCVS•VENETVS•, city coat-of-arms within ornate shield. CNI VII pg. 278, 334; Papadopoli 11 var. (Maltese cross); Paolucci 3; Friedberg 1448. Good VF, lightly toned, strong strike. ($500)

The first Venetian gold scudi were struck in 1528, on the standard used in the rest of Italy. They were to be used to pay the Italian mercenaries in the service of Venice.