1 Ducat - Francis Maximilian and Henry Francis

Historical Context: This 1687 1 Ducat from the County of Mansfeld-Bornstedt was issued under the co-regency of Counts Francis Maximilian and Henry Francis. The Mansfeld family, a prominent but often financially challenged noble house within the Holy Roman Empire, exercised their sovereign right of coinage. The late 17th century was a period of recovery in German states post-Thirty Years' War. For smaller entities like Mansfeld-Bornstedt, issuing gold ducats underscored their claim to sovereignty and participation in the broader European economy.

Artistry: This ducat's design exemplifies the late Baroque aesthetic prevalent in German numismatics. While a specific engraver is often unrecorded for such regional issues, the stylistic execution was overseen by the mint master, influenced by contemporary courtly portraiture. The obverse typically features conjoined or individual busts of the ruling counts, rendered with idealized naturalism. The reverse commonly displays the Mansfeld family arms—a shield with nine lozenges—or a crowned imperial eagle, often within an ornate cartouche, symbolizing their allegiance within the Holy Roman Empire.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .986 fine gold, weighing 3.5 grams and measuring 22 millimeters, this ducat adheres to standard contemporary specifications. Due to the high purity and inherent softness of gold, these coins often exhibit a generally good strike, though minor areas of weakness, particularly on the highest points of the relief such as hair details, crown elements, or central shield devices, are not uncommon. Well-preserved examples will display excellent planchet quality and often retain significant original cartwheel luster. Critical grading points include sharpness of facial features, integrity of legends, and definition of armorial bearings.