ITALY. Venezia (Venice). Carlo Ruzzini, 1732-1735. Osella 1733 (Silver, 37 mm, 9.44 g, 12 h), RY 2, massaro Bartolomeo Zen. CAROLI RVZINI PRINCIPIS MVNVS • / ✶ANNO•II•✶ / B•Z The nimbate and winged lion of St. Mark holding book of Gospels wearing corno ducale. Rev. OSSIBVS RECEPTIS DIV•PETR•VRSEOLI* / ✿1733✿ Ornate ossuary with the remains of Saint Pietro Orseolo and corno ducale on top placed on cushion; radiant dove above. CNI 48. Montenegro 1403. Paolucci 216. Beautiful iridescent toning. Traces of mounting and minor smooting, otherwise, good fine.


In 1733, the Venetian Republic celebrated the return to Venice of the relics of Saint Pietro Orseolo, Doge from 976 to 978, who had abdicated the ducal throne to embrace the monastic life.

After secretly leaving Venice on the night of 10 September 978 together with Abbot Guarino, Orseolo spent the remainder of his life at the monastery of Saint-Michel de Cuxa in the French Pyrenees, where he died in reputation of sanctity. His relics, presented to the Republic by King Louis XV of France, were received with solemn ceremonies and transferred to the Basilica of St Mark.

The sought-after Osella of 1733 commemorates this event, uniting the political prestige of the Serenissima with the veneration of one of its saintly doges.