Frederick II authorized this denomination as part of a broader Prussian monetary reorganization following the War of Austrian Succession, during which the kingdom's finances had been severely strained. The Frederick d'Or series was modeled loosely on the French louis d'or to facilitate international trade and mercenary payments — Prussia under Frederick was perpetually recruiting and paying foreign soldiers.
The 1750–1752 emission preceded the significant debasement Frederick would impose on the coinage during the Seven Years' War, when he notoriously debased Prussian and Saxon dies alike to fund his campaigns. These early strikes at .903 fineness represent the pre-war standard.
Frederick II authorized this denomination as part of a broader Prussian monetary reorganization following the War of Austrian Succession, during which the kingdom's finances had been severely strained. The Frederick d'Or series was modeled loosely on the French louis d'or to facilitate international trade and mercenary payments — Prussia under Frederick was perpetually recruiting and paying foreign soldiers.
The 1750–1752 emission preceded the significant debasement Frederick would impose on the coinage during the Seven Years' War, when he notoriously debased Prussian and Saxon dies alike to fund his campaigns. These early strikes at .903 fineness represent the pre-war standard.