$5,005.00 USD
The 1734 Salzburg gold ducat was issued under the Prince-Archbishopric of Salzburg in the Holy Roman Empire. The ruling Prince-Archbishop at the time was Leopold Anton Eleutherius von Firmian (1727–1744). Salzburg was an ecclesiastical principality, and its coinage in this period was struck in high-purity gold (.986 fine) following the long-standing ducat standard. The ducat weighed about 3.5 grams (approximately 0.111 troy oz of gold), a common weight for trade coins, and was an important vehicle of commerce and wealth storage in 18th-century Europe.
The obverse typically features the archbishop's heraldic arms under a cardinal's hat (galero), symbolizing his ecclesiastical rank. For Leopold Anton's ducat, the obverse legend reads "LEOPOLD•D•G•ARCH•PR•SAL•S•A•L" (Latin abbreviation for Leopoldus Dei Gratia Archiepiscopus Princeps Salisburgensis Apostolicae Legatus), identifying him as Archbishop of Salzburg by the grace of God.
On the reverse is Saint Rupert (Rudbertus), patron saint of Salzburg, depicted seated and holding a bishop's crosier and a basket of salt. Saint Rupert's figure highlights Salzburg's identity (the city's name literally means "Salt Castle," reflecting its historic salt mines). The reverse legend "S•RUDBERTUS•EPS•SALISBURG•" identifies the saint (Sanctus Rudbertus, Episcopus Salisburgensis), and the date 1734 appears as part of the inscription.
These ducats were struck in Salzburg's mint in 1734, likely in low quantities (the exact mintage is unrecorded). As high-denomination gold coins, many were used in trade or melted for bullion over the centuries. Their survival today in any condition is limited, making them historically significant relics of Salzburg's independent ecclesiastical rule.
This means the coin is tied for the finest known at PCGS. Even combining both major grading services, we are looking at roughly five or fewer uncirculated coins certified, with grades clustering around MS60–64. Such tiny populations are remarkable and directly contribute to value – collectors pay substantial premiums for coins that few others possess in top grade. To put it in perspective, a Mint State 1734 ducat is far scarcer than many famous U.S. gold coins of similar vintage.
Austria Gold Ducat, Salzburg. 3.46g
