1 Doppia - Charles Alexander Siege Coinage

Landau was besieged twice in close succession — first by Allied forces in 1702 and 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession, then again in 1713, this time by Imperial troops under the command of the future Emperor Charles VI following the collapse of French defensive positions in the region. Siege coinages of this period were emergency issues produced under direct military pressure, authorized by the besieged garrison to pay troops and maintain basic commerce when normal supply lines were severed.

The .986 fineness is exceptionally high for a siege issue — most emergency gold coinage of this type was debased to stretch available metal.