1/4 Ducat - Charles Frederick

Historical Context: This 1/4 Ducat, issued in 1711 under Charles Frederick of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp, emerged during the Great Northern War. Charles Frederick, a grand-nephew of Charles XII of Sweden, was a pivotal figure whose duchy was strategically contested. Though a minor in 1711, the issuance of gold coinage under his name asserted the duchy's sovereignty and economic stability amidst broader European conflicts, signaling its continued participation in international trade.

Artistry: The specific engraver for this modest denomination is typically unrecorded for early 18th-century mints. Stylistically, the coin adheres to Baroque numismatic traditions prevalent in Northern Europe. The obverse likely features a simplified, laureate bust of the young duke or his prominent crowned monogram, embodying ducal authority. The reverse typically displays the ducal arms of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp, often crowned, alongside the denomination and date, executed with heraldic precision despite the small flan.

Technical/Grading: Struck in high-purity gold (.986 fine) and weighing a mere 0.84 grams, this 1/4 Ducat presents specific challenges. High-points for wear or strike weakness include the duke's hair, laurel wreath, or the intricate details of the ducal crown and shield charges. Due to the small, thin flan, full strikes are often elusive, with peripheral details frequently soft or absent. Planchet quality varies, and the high gold purity makes these pieces susceptible to minor bending or handling marks, impacting their overall technical grade.