1423-57 Venice Ducat sco Foscari NGC MS63

Struck during the long and prosperous rule of Doge Francesco Foscari, this gold ducat reflects Venice’s dominance in Mediterranean commerce and its political strength in 15th-century Europe. As the Republic’s trade routes extended deep into the East, the ducat became a trusted standard in international markets.

Obverse: Depicts the Doge kneeling before St. Mark, patron saint of Venice, who presents the banner of the republic. The legend honors both the saint and the reigning Doge: S. M. VENETI – F. FOSCAR.

Reverse: Features Christ standing within an oval mandorla of stars, giving benediction. The design symbolizes divine sanction and the spiritual authority underpinning the Republic’s rule.

Superbly preserved for a medieval gold issue, this NGC MS63 example boasts remarkable detail and original luster. Its strike and surfaces place it among the finest survivors from Foscari’s 34-year reign—one of the longest in Venetian history.