$7,507.00 USD
This remarkable gold ducat was struck in Hamburg, one of the most influential free cities of the Holy Roman Empire. Issued during the 18th century, it features a religious theme honoring the Fourth Commandment, a central tenet of both civic and family life in early modern Europe. Unlike the more common Latin types, this variant bears German inscriptions, making it particularly resonant for local audiences of the period. These coins were produced not for circulation but for presentation and moral commemoration, emphasizing Hamburg’s identity as both a mercantile power and a pious city-state.
Obverse: Shows a flowering tree with three ornate fountains, representing family life flourishing under divine and moral order. The legend reads:
“Ehre Vater und Mutter auf dass dir's wohl gehe”
(“Honor your father and mother, that it may go well with you”)—a direct reference to the 4th Commandment in German.
Reverse: Features the Ten Commandments tablets, with the commandment text split across both tablets:
Left tablet:
“Du sollt deinen Vater und deine Mutter ehren”
Right tablet:
“auf dass dir's wohl gehe”
An elegant and meaningful design emphasizing the importance of filial respect in both religious and civic life.
Condition and Rarity:
Graded NGC MS64PL (Prooflike), this piece is strikingly well-preserved, with deep reflectivity and sharp relief that highlight the intricate design. Gold ducats of this type are already scarce, but this German-inscribed version in near-gem condition with prooflike surfaces is exceptionally rare. A standout example for collectors of religious-themed or German states coinage, combining numismatic beauty with moral symbolism.
