Venezia. Francesco Erizzo, 1631-1646. Osella of 4 zecchini year II (1632), AV 14.05 g. ø 37 mm. Winged and nimbate lion facing, standing on hind legs, holding with front paws an ornate shield inscribed FRANCIS / ERICIO / V D / MVNVS / ANNO / II; in exergue, D M (Domenico Michini, mintmaster). Rev. DEDI SVAVITATEM ODORIS The Blessed Virgin with the Child on the foliage of a tree, from whose trunk and branches drops of myrrh fall to the ground; at sides, in the sky, two cherubs blowing towards the tree. Paolucci II – (cf. 115 for the silver). Apparently unique and unrecorded. Minor marks, otherwise extremely fine From the collection of Druso and Bartolomeo Franceschi. Francesco Erizzo assumed the dogeship in 1631, when Venice was still marked by the devastating plague of 1630. This osella therefore belongs to the early years of his government and reflects the atmosphere of renewed confidence that followed the end of the epidemic: as early as November 1631, the Doge was able officially to proclaim the city free from the plague. The type thus provides significant evidence of the devotional culture of the Serenissima, in which the osella, besides serving as the Doge’s annual gift, became an elegant means of commemorating events and celebrating the fortunes of the Republic. The choice of the Lion of St Mark further underscores the distinctly civic and institutional character of the issue. Please find here the video of the coin