Bygone Venetian coin

Sure thing! A “Ducat” is a bygone Venetian coin that was used as currency in Venice from the 12th century until the 19th century. It was named after the Latin word “ducatus,” which means a leadership position or a territory under the control of a duke.

Originally, ducats were made of gold and were first minted in Venice in 1284. They became the standard currency in the Venetian Republic and were widely used in trade across Europe. The Venetian ducat was known for its purity, which made it the most widely accepted currency in the world at the time.

The front of the ducat featured the image of the Duke of Venice, St. Mark, while the reverse side showed a representation of Christ. The coin was used in the Mediterranean region as well as further afield in Europe, and even in Africa and Asia.

Today, the ducat is no longer in circulation. However, it is still considered an important cultural artifact and a collector’s item. Some replicas of the ducat are made and sold to tourists as souvenirs in Venice.

In conclusion, the answer to the crossword clue ‘Bygone Venetian coin‘ is ‘Ducat.’ It was a form of currency used in Venice from the 12th to the 19th century and was highly valued for its purity and widespread acceptance.