2 Thalers klippe - Ferdinand II Graz

Klippe strikes of this type were produced at Graz specifically as presentation pieces during the latter stages of Ferdinand II's consolidation of Habsburg power following the Battle of White Mountain in 1620. The square format was never intended for circulation — these were diplomatic gifts and court objects, struck on individually prepared planchets rather than from the roller presses supplying ordinary coinage.

The Graz mint was Ferdinand's home facility; he had served as Archduke of Inner Austria before his election as Emperor, and retained a particular attachment to Styrian production. The dual Her references — 351 and 353 — indicate documented die variations within this issue, a consequence of hand preparation at low volume.