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1 Ducat - Frederick William
| Issuer | Brandenburg-Prussia, State of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1670-1682 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1 Ducat |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Elaborately quartered heraldic shield displaying the arms of Brandenburg-Prussia, surmounted by a large electoral crown, all set within a milled border. The shield incorporates multiple quarterings including the Hohenzollern eagle, the Prussian eagle, and various dynastic devices. The surrounding Latin legend reads SUPREMUS . DUX IN PRUSSIA . 16 70, proclaiming Friedrich Wilhelm as Supreme Duke in Prussia, with the date divided on either side of the crowned arms. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
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| Additional information |
Frederick William, the "Great Elector," used gold ducat issues of this period largely as diplomatic instruments — gifts to foreign courts, payments to military commanders, and incentives to Dutch financiers whose capital underwrote his standing army. The Brandenburg mint at this time was still finding its footing; the elector had only recently consolidated minting authority after decades of fragmented production across Cleves, Mark, and Brandenburg proper.
The ducat standard here follows the long-established Rhine gold convention, keeping Brandenburg currency acceptable across the Holy Roman Empire's commercial networks during the costly Northern Wars period.