Votive or Civic Badge with a Crowned Figure Kneeling before Christ

This brooch was probably made to fasten a ceremonial cloak, and may have been intended as a diplomatic gift or memento. The central composition parallels the main face of the famous gold coin, a ducat, of the Venetian Doge Giovanni Dandolo minted in 1288-1289. Unlike the coin, the medallion is neither struck or diecast; it is tooled and chased, making it one of a kind.