A lovely, Victorian-era coin pendant, fashioned from a 24k (.999 gold), Zecchino coin. This beautiful coin was issued between 1789-1797, in the republic of Venice. Depicted here is Saint Mark, standing to the left— he blesses the kneeling doge, who holds a cross-tipped staff. On the reverse, an image of Christ, inside a mandolora, with a border of 16 stars. This rare old coin was altered (punched) in the mid to late 1800s, and an 18k gold jump ring was added. No solder was used on the coin in this process. The pictorial details of this Venezian coin are fairly well preserved— the high points are softened, but all elements remain visible and legible. We love the gentle, poetic image of the blessing depicted here, the vibrant high color of the coin's 24k gold, andits wonderful texture. This pendant makes a sweet, minimal statement, hanging from a slender chain.

Materials

24k (.999)gold
18k gold (jump ring)

Age

coin minted c. 1789 - 1797
altered c. 1860 - 1880

Dimensions

Total drop (including bail) measuresapprox 23.8 mm (just under 1"); coin measures roughly 21 mm; thickness is approx .8 mm. When it was minted, this coin weighed 3.5 grams, because it was punched (to create a hole for the bail) it weighs 3.4 grams.