Catalogus
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Mantled bust of Franz Josef I facing right with chain of the Golden Fleece. Lettering around. |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift voorzijde |
FRANC·IOS·D·G·S·R·I·PR·& GUB·DOM·DE LIECHTENSTEIN· (Translation: Latin: Franz Ioseph Dei Gratia Sacri Romani Imperii Princeps & Gubernator Domus De Liechtenstein.) |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Crowned oval Coat of Arms within frame suspending order chain. Lettering around. Date at the end of a legend. |
| Schrift keerzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift keerzijde |
OPP·& CARN·DUX·COM·RITTB·S·C·M·CONS·INT·AUR·VELLERIS EQUES·1778· (Translation: Latin: Oppaviae & Carnoviae Dux Comes Rittbergae Sacrae Caesareae Majestatis Consiliarius Intimus Aurei Velleris Eques) |
| Rand | |
| Muntplaats |
M Munich, Germany (1158-date) |
| Oplage |
1778 - - 125 1778 M - Gold restrike C#7a - 1778 M - Platinum restrike C#7b - |
| Numisquare-ID | 5796737310 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
Historical Context: The 1778 1 Ducat of Franz Josef I represents a key numismatic piece from the Principality of Liechtenstein. Franz Josef I, Prince from 1772 to 1781, ruled during the late 18th century. Despite its small size within the Holy Roman Empire, Liechtenstein asserted its sovereignty through coinage. Issuing gold ducats, an internationally accepted trade coin, underscored the principality's independence and economic autonomy, primarily for prestige and international commerce.
Artistry: The coin's artistry reflects the formal aesthetics of the late Baroque and early Neoclassical periods. Though the specific engraver is typically unrecorded, craftsmanship is regal and precise. The obverse presents a dignified bust of Prince Franz Josef I, usually facing right, encircled by his princely and ducal titles. The reverse proudly displays the intricate crowned ducal shield of Liechtenstein, quartered with the family's heraldic arms, accompanied by the date and a legend affirming his territorial claims.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .986 fine gold, this 1 Ducat weighs 3.49 grams and measures 22 millimeters. High-points for assessing wear on the obverse include the Prince's hair, ear, and attire folds. On the reverse, examine the crown's details, the shield's quarterings, and the legend's sharpness. Gold ducats from this era typically show strong strikes due to the metal's malleability. Original luster, pristine fields, and minimal contact marks are crucial for high-grade examples, as gold is susceptible to surface imperfections.