RA CENO SM VENETI doge (military governor) left beside St. Mark
The Venetian grosso was introducted in 1192 by Doge Dandalo and was symbolic of the rising economic power of Venice. Venice effectively co-opted the Fourth Crusade for their own purposes. This coin remained the premier trade coin of the Mediterranean for hundreds of years and it remained amazingly constant in size, appearance and purity. The coin was copied far and wide by Bulgaria, Serbia and other medieval states.
A fascinating coin that is contemporary with the Byzantine Empire.
20mm, 2.18 grams
By the way, if you don't know about the intersection of the Crusades, Venice and Constantinople, here is a website I found informative.
http://aggreen.net/church_history/1204_sack.html