Ducato d'Argento Pubblico Deposited
A silver coin of the Danaro size, issued for Naples and Sicily, Apulia, etc., as early as the twelfth century. Roger II (Ruggiero), Duke of Naples (1105-1130), and King (1130-1154) struck it in concave form in imitation of the Byzantine types, with the reverse inscription IC XC RE IN AETERN, i.e., Jesus Christus regnat in aeternum. It was issued in Venice under the Doge Girolamo Priuli (1559-1567), with a value of 124 Soldi. In Savoy, Duke Philibert II (1497-1504) struck pieces of the same name, and it is to be found in the currency of other Italian states. It must, however, be remembered that these latter Ducats in silver were approximately of the size of a Thaler or Crown. See Romesine.
- Frey's Dictionary (American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. 50, 1916)