Grosso of Francesco Dandolo, Doge of Venice c. 1329 - 1339

Editor: This is a Grosso of Francesco Dandolo, Doge of Venice. The coin is quite small, and the imagery seems very formal. What's your take on its significance? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's a statement. Look at how Dandolo aligns himself with religious authority. What does this say about the intersection of power, faith, and legitimacy in Venetian society at the time? Editor: So, it's less about monetary value and more about projecting an image? Curator: Exactly. Consider who controlled the narrative, the symbolic weight of these images, and how they shaped public perception of leadership. It's propaganda on a pocket-sized scale. Editor: That makes me consider how currency today projects similar messages. Curator: Precisely. This coin invites us to consider the deeper systems of power at play.