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25 Ducat - Philip Charles of Eltz-Kempenich
| Issuer | Archbishopric of Mainz |
|---|---|
| Year | 1740 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 25 Ducats (Dukaten) (87.5) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | 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 | PHIL·CAR·D·G·S·S·MOG·A·E·S·R·I·P·GER·AC·P·EL·PRÆ·TREV |
| Reverse description | The elaborate quartered arms of the Archbishopric of Mainz and the personal arms of Philip Charles of Eltz-Kempenich displayed on a large ornate shield, flanked by two rampant lions as supporters, with a crossed sword and crozier issuing from behind the shield. The achievement is surmounted by an electoral princely crown with cross finial. The base of the composition features decorative baroque scrollwork and foliate ornament. The date 1740 and the biblical reference PS·22 appear within the circumferential Latin legend. |
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| Additional information |
Philip Charles of Eltz-Kempenich served as Archbishop-Elector of Mainz from 1732 until his death in 1743, and multi-ducat presentation pieces of this magnitude were not monetary instruments in any practical sense — they were diplomatic currency, struck to be gifted to princes, ambassadors, and imperial officials. A 25-ducat piece represents one of the largest denomination multiples produced in the Holy Roman Empire's ecclesiastical minting tradition, and surviving examples almost invariably passed directly from the mint into a treasury or cabinet rather than into circulation.
Mainz retained its status as the premier ecclesiastical electorate, with its archbishop holding the arch-chancellorship of Germany — a title that made such lavish presentation strikings politically expected.