Osella 1993

Osella 1994

Osella 1995

Osella 1996

Back of Osella

According to ancient tradition, at Christmas the Doge gave first five, but later two "Oselle selvadeghe dai pie rossi" (wild ducks with red feet) to each of the noblemen on the Great Council; the custom is mentioned in the Estoires de Venise by Martin da Canal (prior to 1275), and was also confirmed in the edict issued by Doge Lorenzo Tiepolo in 1268.

In the first two decades of the 16th century, because the area of Marano Lagunare where these wild fowl ("oselle" in local dialect) were plentiful had been occupied by the Imperial troops, the ducks soon became more and more scarce, so by decision of the Great Council on June 28th 1521, it was decreed that silver coins worth a quarter of a ducat should be coined as gifts for the noblemen, and these effectively replaced the marshland ducks of ancient tradition. In memory of the original nature of these gifts, the coins were dubbed "Oselle".

The first Oselle were coined under Doge Antonio Grimani (1521-1523); thereafter, they were coined every year and the custom persisted until the fall of the Venetian Republic. On the front they bore the image of the Doge in office at the time, kneeling before St. Mark; on the back they showed a commemorative image and some wording which always included the word "munus" (gift).

[Lina Urban]

Since 1993, thanks to the Comitato Festa della Sensa, this ancient custom has been reinstated, renewing the interest of collectors, since the last coin, the 275th, dated back to 1797. The coining is done by the Polygraphic Institute and State Mint, the coins are made of gold and silver and each one is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Part of the proceeds of their sale will go towards the reconstruction of the Venetian opera house, La Fenice, on the basis of a specific agreement with the Polygraphic Institute and State Mint.

The gold "La Fenice" Osella della Sensa 1996 is made of 917/1000 gold; it is 35 mm in diameter and weighs 25 grams; it costs Lit. 2,900,000 (incl. VAT). The silver "La Fenice" Osella della Sensa 1996 is made of 986/1000 silver; it is 35 mm in diameter and weighs 18 grams; it costs Lit. 120,000 (incl. VAT).

NOTE: The Comitato Festa della Sensa can accept no responsibility for any changes to these prices, which are established by the Polygraphic Institute and State Mint.

The coin can be ordered by Phone (++39 +6 85301999) or Fax (++39 +6 85302093) or at the center for the products of the Polygraphic Institute in Venice, Campo San Fantin - Castello 1895

Phone (++39 +41 5231642)