5 Ducats - Placidus von Zurlauben

Historical Context: This impressive 5 Ducats coin, issued in 1720, hails from the Benedictine Abbey of Muri during the abbacy of Placidus von Zurlauben (1697-1731). Muri, a prominent spiritual and political entity in the Aargau region of the Old Swiss Confederacy, enjoyed significant autonomy and wealth, allowing it to strike its own coinage. The issuance of such a high-denomination gold piece underscores the abbey's considerable economic power and Placidus von Zurlauben's temporal authority, reflecting a period of relative stability and prosperity following the Toggenburg War (1712).

Artistry: The artistry of this ducat exemplifies the prevailing Baroque style of the early 18th century, characterized by its detailed ornamentation and dignified presentation. While the engraver is typically unrecorded, the design likely features a meticulously rendered bust of Abbot Placidus von Zurlauben on the obverse, often facing right, encircled by his ecclesiastical and temporal titles. The reverse commonly displays the intricate coat of arms of the Abbey of Muri, frequently accompanied by religious symbols or patron saints, all executed with a precision befitting a coin intended to project prestige and authority.

Technical/Grading: Struck from a substantial 17.5-gram planchet of .986 fine gold, this 5 Ducats coin generally exhibits a strong strike, though variations are common. Key high-points susceptible to wear or strike weakness include the highest relief areas of the abbot's portrait, such as his hair, nose, and the intricate details of his vestments. On the reverse, the fine elements of the abbey's armorial bearings and peripheral legends should be scrutinized. Collectors should also assess planchet quality for typical 18th-century irregularities, which can affect overall visual appeal and contribute to a coin's unique character.