1/4 Ducat Dukatenklippe

Historical Context: The 1740 1/4 Ducat Dukatenklippe was issued by the Free Imperial City of Stuttgart, a key urban center within the Holy Roman Empire, though closely tied to the Duchy of Württemberg. This year marked a transition for Württemberg, with the recent death of Duke Karl Alexander and the ascension of his minor son, Karl Eugen, under regency. Klippe issues were not standard currency but often served as presentation pieces, emergency coinage, or civic disbursements, reflecting the city's autonomous minting rights.

Artistry: The design adheres to the prevailing Baroque aesthetic of mid-18th century German states. While the specific engraver is unrecorded, the stylistic school emphasized clear heraldic representation and precise lettering. For a city issue, the obverse likely featured the prominent coat of arms of Stuttgart, typically a rearing horse (Stuttgarter Rössle), possibly within an ornate cartouche. The reverse displayed the denomination, date, and sometimes civic mottoes, all rendered with characteristic detail and balance within the square format.

Technical/Grading: This gold klippe weighs 0.82 grams, consistent with a 1/4 Ducat denomination, allowing for minor manufacturing variations. As a klippe, it was struck on a square planchet, a format often ensuring a strong, centralized strike. Key high-points for grading include the details of the city's arms, such as the horse's musculature and mane, and the sharpness of surrounding legends. A well-preserved example exhibits full detail across the design, with minimal weakness, particularly at the corners where planchet imperfections can occur.