Catalog
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| Issuer | Norway |
|---|---|
| Year | 1697 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Reverse description | The entire reverse field is occupied by a six-line German inscription in bold capital letters, referencing the Biblical passage Job 37:22 at the top, followed by the phrase VON MITTERNACHT KOMT GOLD, meaning 'from the north comes gold.' The lower lines record the mint location KONIGSBERG and the striking date AM 1. DEC: 1697, followed by the mintmaster's initials HCM. This type of commemorative inscription is characteristic of Baroque-era presentation ducats struck from locally sourced gold. The lettering fills the field entirely with no decorative border save the irregular coin edge. |
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| Reverse lettering | HIOB 37 22 VON MIT TERNACHT KOMT GOLD KONIGSBERG AM 1. DEC: 1697 HC M |
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| Additional information |
Christian V issued this ducat from the Christiania mint under the supervision of mint master Hans Coucheron, whose tenure was marked by persistent disputes with the crown over bullion supply. Norway's gold coinage in the late seventeenth century was never intended for domestic circulation — ducats functioned as diplomatic gifts and payment instruments in international trade, particularly with the Baltic and Dutch merchant networks that dominated Norwegian timber and fish export revenues.
Fr#14b distinguishes this from closely related varieties by the mint master's initials, a detail that collapses entirely in lower grades.