Written by Greta Gazzaniga

The city of Murano and its unique Oselle

Murano represents a unique case in the Italian numismatic landscape. In the 16th century, this loyal town of the Republic of Venice obtained the right to mint so-called coins-medals, known as oselle. Apart from these special issues, no other coins or medals were ever struck there.

Compared to those of Venice, these oselle are distinguished by their lower circulation and by the names displayed on them, accompanied by their respective family coats of arms. In fact, these coins usually feature the names of the Doge and the Podestà. Starting in 1688, they also include the names of the four deputies of Murano—local citizens who served as liaisons with the Serenissima.

1796 and the Napoleonic Threat

Among the 108 Murano oselle known today is the last one struck in 1796, the so-called “Osella of the 500“. The history of the Venetian Republic did not have a happy ending, as the French revolutionary turmoil swept up the Republic. The following year, in 1797, it brought an end to its nearly thousand-year history, passing first under French occupation and subsequently under Austrian rule as a Venetian province.

It all began the previous year, specifically on May 10, 1796, when, after their defeat at the Battle of Lodi, Austrian troops were forced to retreat into the territory of the Venetian Republic. At the outbreak of the Franco-Austrian War, the Serenissima opted for a policy of neutrality to avoid being drawn into the conflict. Seizing the opportunity, Napoleon progressively conquered Venetian fortress cities, pushing deeper into the territory until foreign armed fleets were sailing in the Adriatic Sea. At this point, feeling surrounded by Napoleonic forces, the Republic was forced to defend the city of Venice itself.

Murano’s Response: 500 Volunteers for the Serenissima

Indeed, an old decree prohibiting armed ships from entering the lagoon convinced the Senate to organize fortifications and blockades throughout the area, blocking access from both land and sea. It was likely in this climate that a letter arrived, sent by the Murano deputies to the Provveditori Straordinari (Extraordinary Commissioners) for the defense of the Venetian coasts and lagoon.

In this document, dated June 10, 1796, the deputies made 500 volunteer men available to the Republic, ready to take up arms. If necessary, they were prepared to give their lives in its defense—a remarkable commitment, considering that the town of Murano had a population of 5,000 at the time. While the ultimate fate of these volunteers remains unknown, historical documents reveal that the Republic not only officially recruited them, but also properly equipped them with uniforms and weapons, organizing them into four battalions.

The Captains and Deputies Featured on the Coin

Today, it is possible to trace the names of all these volunteers, and it is known that the group was divided into four companies of approximately 125 men each, each led by a captain. These were Giorgio Barbaria (appointed commander general of the entire force), Giovanni Marini, Antonio Ongaro, and Francesco Motta. Three of them were deputies of the town of Murano, whose names and coats of arms are featured right on the osella.

Auction 12, VENICE Ludovico Manin (1789-1797) Osella for Murano of 4 Zecchini 1796

The Last Osella of 1796 and the Tribute to the Venetian People

As stipulated in the agreements with the town of Murano, a portion of these oselle was reserved for specific dignitaries. The excess metal, on the other hand, was minted and offered for sale to private citizens. Despite the immense difficulties facing the Republic during those months, towards the end of the year the town minted oselle in silver and gold as usual. Among these was the 4 zecchini osella of 1796—only a single variant of which is known in this most precious version—presented as Lot 580 in our Auction 12.

Despite the severe pressure under which Doge Ludovico Manin found himself during the final months of his dogate, it is significant that his last two oselle, from Murano and Venice, were dedicated to the support that citizens offered to the Republic.

To learn more:

• Blog post Venetian Oselle in the 2025 Christmas Auction
• Browse the catalogue of Numismatic Auction 12