2 Ducats Coronation

Struck to mark the coronation of Francis I as Holy Roman Emperor on October 4, 1745, this issue belongs to a long tradition of Frankfurt coronation gold produced specifically because the city served as the site of imperial elections and coronations from 1562 onward. Frankfurt held that privilege jealously — it was one of the few tangible advantages of its imperial city status, and the mint exploited each coronation as an opportunity to produce prestige pieces for distribution and sale to attendees.

Francis I's election had been delayed and complicated by the War of Austrian Succession, making his eventual coronation a politically charged event after years of disputed imperial succession following the death of Charles VI.