1523-1538 Gold Scudo D'Oro NGC MS64

The 1523–1538 Gold Scudo d’Oro of Venice, Doge Andrea Gritti, graded NGC MS64, is a remarkably well-preserved and historically significant gold issue from the height of Venetian commercial and maritime dominance. Minted under Doge Andrea Gritti, one of the Republic’s most capable statesmen and military leaders, this coin embodies both Renaissance artistry and the religious-political identity of the Venetian state.

Obverse: Features the standing figure of Saint Mark (patron of Venice) presenting a gonfalon to the kneeling Doge Andrea Gritti, whose name appears in the surrounding Latin legend. The image is placed within an ornate oval shield. The legend reads:
“SANCTVS MARCVS VENETVS ·” — Saint Mark of Venice.

Reverse: Displays a floriated cross with intricate leaf terminals, a central dot, and Gothic-floral extensions, all within a beaded inner circle. The outer legend continues the doge's title:
“ANDREAS GRITI DVX” — Andrea Gritti, Doge.

Struck in .999 fine gold (~3.3 grams), this Scudo d’Oro follows the weight and format of the Italian gold ducat standard. Coins of this type were used extensively across the Mediterranean and in major trade centers due to Venice’s prominence in global commerce during the 16th century.

Graded NGC MS64, this specimen is of elite quality for a hammered Renaissance coin. It boasts exceptional centering, full legends, sharp device detail, and vibrant gold luster. Very few Scudi from this period survive in near-Gem Mint State, and this example ranks at the top of known census records for the Gritti issues.

Venice, Andrea Gritti. Well-centered with evidence of freshly polished dies in the residual luster that fills the surfaces. Not exceptionally rare, but hard to locate a higher caliber example.