$13,196.00 USD
This 1638 gold 2 Ducats was struck during the tumultuous Thirty Years' War era (1618-1648), a pivotal period in European history. These multiple ducat coins often served as prestige pieces or to pay war expenses, reflecting the political and economic climate of 17th-century Germany.
The issuing authority greatly influences the coin's rarity and design. In 1638, multiple German states struck 2-ducat pieces, including:
Obverse: Displays a full-length armored figure of Johann Georg I, Elector of Saxony, holding a large sword upright in his right hand and resting his left hand on his hip. The Latin legend reads:
IOH GEORG D G DUX SAX IUL CLIM &, identifying him as Duke of Saxony, Jülich, Cleves, and Berg.
Reverse: Features an ornately crowned and quartered coat of arms bearing the Saxon shield, surrounded by Latin legend and date:
1638 S A ROM IMP ARCHIM ET ELECT, denoting his position as Archmarshal of the Holy Roman Empire and Imperial Elector.
Struck in high-purity gold (.986 fineness) and weighing approximately 6.98 grams, this 2 Ducat piece exhibits the light wear and soft luster typical of PCGS AU53. The grade confirms that it retains most of its original detail with modest surface contact, while still presenting exceptional originality and visual appeal. A faint planchet waviness is visible, as is often seen in hammered or early milled coinage of this weight class.
