2 Ducats - Christina of Sweden

Historical Context: This 1635 2 Ducats from Mainz is a pivotal numismatic artifact from the tumultuous Thirty Years' War. While nominally attributed to Christina of Sweden, then a minor under regency, its Mainz issuance directly reflects the Swedish occupation (1631-1635) following Gustavus Adolphus's campaigns. Mainz, a strategically vital Electoral Archbishopric, operated its mint under direct Swedish influence, producing coinage acknowledging de facto suzerainty. This issue, predating the Peace of Prague, underscores the complex political landscape and adapted minting practices during prevailing military realities.

Artistry: The ducat's stylistic execution aligns with contemporary German Baroque numismatic traditions, often simplified due to wartime exigencies and provisional minting. A specific engraver is seldom documented for such municipal issues; designs typically feature the Imperial Eagle or city arms on the obverse, encircled by a legend affirming provenance. The reverse likely bears a religious motto or further titulature. The "Christina" connection is usually implied through specific legend or general acknowledgement of Swedish dominion, not a direct portrait, reflecting pragmatic iconography.

Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, prioritize strike quality, often compromised by wartime production. Examine central devices—eagle's feathering or heraldic elements—for sharpness and completeness, noting peripheral weakness. Integrity of legends, date, and mintmark is paramount. Surface preservation is crucial; gold's softness makes it susceptible to hairlines, bag marks, and rim nicks. Original mint luster, rare on circulating ducats, significantly enhances appeal. Assess planchet quality for typical minor imperfections common to 17th-century minting.