1/4 Ducat - Charles Frederick

Historical Context: The 1/4 Ducat of 1711 was issued during a tumultuous period for Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp, with Duke Charles Frederick (Karl Friedrich) navigating the complexities of the Great Northern War. As a nephew of Charles XII of Sweden, his duchy was frequently caught between Danish and Swedish geopolitical ambitions. This gold fractional ducat, struck in high purity, served as a crucial instrument for asserting ducal sovereignty and maintaining economic stability. It facilitated international commerce and military financing, underscoring the duke's authority and the duchy's economic resilience amidst continuous regional conflict and shifting alliances.

Artistry: The design of this 1/4 Ducat adheres to the prevailing early 18th-century Northern European Baroque style. While the specific engraver is unrecorded, the obverse typically features a finely detailed, draped and often armored bust of the young Charles Frederick, conveying regal authority through a formal wig and classical drapery. The reverse invariably displays the ducal arms, a complex heraldic composition representing Schleswig, Holstein, Gottorp, and other associated territories, surmounted by a ducal crown. Despite the coin's small flan, the artistry demands precision in rendering the intricate details of both the portraiture and the heraldic elements.

Technical/Grading: Struck in exceptionally pure gold (.986 fine) with a precise weight of 0.83 grams, this 1/4 Ducat typically exhibits a lustrous surface. Key high-points for assessing strike quality and wear on the obverse include the highest curls of Charles Frederick's wig, the ear, and the tip of the nose. On the reverse, critical areas are the details of the ducal crown and the intricate charges within the various shields of the ducal arms. A well-preserved example will show sharp, complete legends and full definition in the portrait's facial features and the heraldic devices, without significant weakness in the strike.