Nicolò Tron

Although there is not many information on his early life, it is known that Nicolò was a proficient merchant able to accumulate a large fortune, according to some sources around 60,000 ducats, in only a few years. After several voyages to the East Mediterranean, mainly Egypt and Rhodes, Nicolò bought the workshops and houses, and devoted himself to the politics and public matters. During his career he held several public offices – he was an adviser for naval matters, ambassador to Pope Pius II and podesta of Padua. He donated one part of his wealth to the Venetian Republic to help it in time of crisis. A crown of his efforts represented his election for the 69th Doge of the Venetian Republic in 1471. During his reign the control over Cyprus is consolidated and the alliance with the Persian ruler Uzun Hassan Beg against the Ottoman Empire was formed.

In order to improve the public finances Nicolò introduced a new coin, called the Tron, which had the profile of the doge depicted on its reverse side. After his death the coin was withdrawn from the use.

His funeral monument, considered as one of the greatest work of the Venetian Renaissance, is specific because it represents the doge alive in a standing position, whereas previously all doges had been portrayed lying in death.