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1/4 Ducat - Christian IV
| Issuer | Denmark |
|---|---|
| Year | 1647 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Hammered |
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| Obverse description | Full-length effigy of King Christian IV standing facing right, crowned and robed in royal regalia, holding a scepter in his raised right hand and a royal orb in his left hand. The figure is rendered in the baroque style typical of Danish gold coinage of the mid-17th century. A Latin legend surrounds the design within a beaded border. |
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| Reverse description | A prominent rebus device depicting a pair of eyeglasses (spectacles) occupies the upper field, serving as a visual pun on the Latin motto below. Beneath the eyeglasses, a two-line Latin inscription reads VIDEMIRA / DOMI, meaning 'We see wonders at home,' referencing the king's personal device. The entire design is enclosed within a beaded inner border, with two pellets visible at the base of the field. |
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| Additional information |
Christian IV struck fractional ducats in his final years as part of a broader effort to maintain Danish prestige coinage despite the kingdom's badly weakened financial position following the Torstenson War, which had ended in humiliating terms at the Peace of Brømsebro in 1645. Denmark ceded substantial Norwegian and Swedish territories, and the treasury was in poor condition. That a coin of this quality — nearly pure gold — was still being produced two years later reflects court ceremony over economic necessity.
Christian died in February 1648, making 1647 one of the last issues of his 59-year reign.