Nicolo Tron

Niccolò Tron (Born circa 1399; died 1473 in Venice) was the 68th Doge of Venice, reigning from 1471 to 1473.

Life

Tron became wealthy after only a brief career as a merchant after which he held various public positions in the government of Venice. He was "consigliere" for naval matters and ambassador of Venice to Pope Pius II. Tron was married to Dea Morosoni.

Doge

In the doge election of 1471 Tron prevailed against his later successors Pietro Mocenigo and Andrea Vendramin. During his reign Venice consolidated its control of Cyprus and reduced its frequent quarrels with the Turks by forming an alliance with the Persian Ussan Hassan Beg. His skillful politics enabled Venice to enjoy a period of freedom during his reign. However, his policy of building up the military sharply increased Venice's public debt.

Tron reformed the monetary system of Venice. He introduced a new coin, called the "Tron", which on the reverse side depicted the profile of the doge like the ancient coins used to; and thus went against the Venetian practice of rejecting any association of a personality cult with the Republic of Venice. After his death the coin was removed from circulation.

Tomb

Tron's tomb was commissioned by his son Filippo and built in the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. The tomb's design and construction is attributed to the architect of the Doge's Palace, Antonio Rizzo. According to the inscription on the monument, the tomb was financed by loot from Tron's wars with the Turks.