★ Three Countermarks. ★

Italian States, Venice, Candia (Crete), Anonymous. Countermarked Gazzetta (2 Soldi), ND (from 1653), struck for use in Candia (Crete), decreed of 9 August 1653, plain edge, 5.89g. * SANCT (• MARC VEN), facing nimbate and winged Lion of St. Mark, holding book of Gospels and sword, value “*II*” in exergue and countermark “CGO”. / C(ANDIA), in single line, rose between two stars above and below, mint master's initials not visible in exergue and countermark “E” and “ZD” (cf. Paolucci 884, no countermark; cf. Montenegro 173, no countermark)

Fine with strong countermarks on reverse, very rare.

From the “Doge” Collection.