(sold for $454.0)

1744, Doges of Venice, Pietro Grimani. Scarce Silver Osella Coin. PCGS XF+

Mint Year: 1744 Denomination: Osella Doge: Pietro Grimani (as 115th Doge of Venice, 1745) Condition: Certified and graded by PCGS as XF (Details: Cleaned!) Reference: CNI 90, Paolucci II 227, Gamberini 1543, Montenegro 1537, Werdnig 225. R! Diameter: 37mm Material: Silver Weight: 9.6gm

Obverse: Doge kneeling before nimbate St. Mark seated on throne and receiving docal banner with two long tasseled terminals. Legend: * S * M * V * PETRVS * GRIMANVS * D * Exergue: * V * L * Reverse: Inscription in six lines above date (1744). All within wreath. Legend: PETRI / GRIMANI / PRINCIPIS / MVNVS / ANNO / * IV* / •1744•

The name "Osella" derived from the Italian word ucella, which translates as "bird". This type of coins were the traditional New Year's gift from the Doge of Venice to members of the higher class of Venetian society, such as the members of the Venetian Senate. At earlier times the gift was a  wildfowl (a rare bird), which has led nearly to the extinction of some then popular bird types, because of the high demand and  rising price. After 1521 the "rare bird" coins (osselas) were introduced instead fo the real rare birds. The osellas featured a different design each year and were struck usually in silver, but sometimes also gold. The last osella was struck during 1796.

Pietro Grimani (born Venice, October 5, 1677 - died there March 7, 1752) was a Venetian statesman who served as the 115th Doge of Venice from June 30, 1741 until his death. Grimani was a cultured and learned man, who wrote poetry and counted among his acquaintances Isaac Newton, who he had met while serving as a diplomat in England. He was succeeded as Doge by Francesco Loredan.

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