Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau ruled Salzburg from 1587 until his forced abdication in 1612, a reign that ended with his imprisonment in Hohensalzburg fortress — where he died in 1617 after five years of confinement. His downfall came largely from a prolonged conflict with Bavaria over the salt trade, the economic engine of the archbishopric. Klippe ducats of this type were prestige strikes rather than circulation pieces, produced as diplomatic gifts and presentation awards for the secular and ecclesiastical elite.
The square flan format on a four-ducat weight places this among the more ambitious Salzburg presentation issues of the period. Zöttl 870a is a recognized variety within the type.
Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau ruled Salzburg from 1587 until his forced abdication in 1612, a reign that ended with his imprisonment in Hohensalzburg fortress — where he died in 1617 after five years of confinement. His downfall came largely from a prolonged conflict with Bavaria over the salt trade, the economic engine of the archbishopric. Klippe ducats of this type were prestige strikes rather than circulation pieces, produced as diplomatic gifts and presentation awards for the secular and ecclesiastical elite.
The square flan format on a four-ducat weight places this among the more ambitious Salzburg presentation issues of the period. Zöttl 870a is a recognized variety within the type.