Italy Venice Silver Osella Coin 1758 Francesko Loredan

Description

OSELLA
9.6 g. Silver, 37 mm,
Obv.
Painting of the Immaculate Conception in frame, and mantle, with angels on each side holding the strings. At the bottom St. Mark blesses the Doge
Obv. Legend:
S.M.V. FRANC. LAVRED . DVX
Exergue: F.A.B for
Mint Master: Francesco Antonio Bonlini
Rev:
Ducal cap above four-line inscription and date within wreath.
Rev. Legend:
FRANCIS LAVREDANI PRINCIPIS MVNVS AN. VII. 1758
Reference: Paolucci 241. R!
The name "Osella" derived from the Italian word ucella, which translates as "bird". This type of coins were the traditional New Year's gift from the Doge of Venice to members of the higher class of Venetian society, such as the members of the Venetian Senate. At earlier times the gift was a wildfowl (a rare bird), which has led nearly to the extinction of some then popular bird types, because of the high demand and rising price. After 1521 the "rare bird" coins (osselas) were introduced instead fo the real rare birds. The osellas featured a different design each year and were struck usually in silver, but sometimes also gold. The last osella was struck during 1796
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