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1/4 Ducat - August William
| Issuer | Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, Principality of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1717-1718 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Elaborately engraved crowned ducal cypher of August Wilhelm, composed of the interlaced monogram 'AW' in ornate calligraphic script, flanked symmetrically by decorative foliate scrollwork in the field. A princely crown surmounts the cipher, rendered in fine relief. The finely milled edge frames the design, with no surrounding legend. The overall composition is characteristic of early eighteenth-century German baroque goldsmithing tradition. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The prancing horse of Brunswick, rearing to the right atop a ground line with small floral sprigs, serving as the heraldic symbol of the Duchy of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. The Latin motto PARTA TUERI arcs around the upper portion of the field. The date in Roman numerals MDCCXVII is inscribed in the lower field, with the mintmaster's initials HCH (here appearing as HGH on the die) below. The milled border frames the entire composition. |
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| Additional information |
August Wilhelm ruled Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel from 1714 until his death in 1731, a reign unremarkable in most respects but occurring precisely when the duchy was navigating the post-Utrecht realignment of north German politics. The quarter ducat was the smallest practical gold denomination in circulation — struck in quantities sufficient for gifts and gratuities rather than commerce, which is why survivors in any condition are scarce. Welter 2368 confirms a two-year production window, suggesting limited dies and a short run tied to a specific court occasion or fiscal moment rather than routine mintage.