Italy
Venezia, Francesco Dandolo (1328-1339), Soldino
Obverse: Doge kneeling left, holding banner
FRA DANDOLO DVX
Reverse: Lion of Venice (San Marcus) standing left, holding banner
S MARCVS VЄNЄTI
Diameter 17 mm, weight 0.86 g
Francesco Dandolo was the 52th Doge of Venice from 1328 to 1339. Dandolo was one of the most successful Venetian diplomats. He was the Venetian Ambassador to the popes Pope Clement V and Pope John XXII in Avignon, which at that time hosted the papal residence. Dandolo was nicknamed cane (dog) after an incident in which he presented himself to the pope wearing a chain around his neck in an attempt to get the pope to revoke the excommunication of Venice. Dandolo was married to Eisabetta Contarini and had three children.
