1 Speciedaler - Frederik III

Frederik III's speciedaler coinage spans one of the most violent ruptures in Danish history. Sweden's invasion in the winter of 1657–58 allowed Karl X Gustav to march his army across the frozen Belts — a crossing considered impossible — forcing Denmark into the Treaty of Roskilde and the permanent loss of Scania, Blekinge, and Bornholm. Coins struck across these years therefore bridge a Denmark that controlled both sides of the Øresund and one that did not.

The absolute monarchy Frederik declared in 1660, wresting power from the nobility and clergy, was formalized the following year — the precise window this type closes.