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8 Gute Groschen - Frederick II
| Issuer | Prussia, Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1753-1763 |
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| Currency | Thaler |
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| Obverse description | Bare-headed draped bust of Friedrich II (Frederick the Great) facing right, rendered in a refined neoclassical style with flowing curled hair tied at the nape. The king's effigy occupies the central field, with fine detailing on the coat and lace cravat. A continuous Latin legend encircles the bust along the rim. |
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| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
The 8 Gute Groschen denomination was Frederick II's workhorse coin during the Seven Years' War — and that war explains nearly everything unusual about surviving examples. Facing catastrophic military expenditure after 1756, Frederick debased the coinage through his mint contractor Veitel Heine Ephraim, reducing silver content dramatically while maintaining the coin's face value. The scheme was operated partly through conquered Saxon mints, flooding German markets with substandard specie that Frederick's own treasury refused to accept for tax payments.
Collectors distinguish sharply between pre-war and wartime strikes. Post-1763 issues were restruck at restored fineness as part of the monetary cleanup following the Peace of Hubertusburg.