Goldgulden - Bolko II Schweidnitz

Historical Context: This Goldgulden was issued during the reign of Bolko II the Small, Duke of Schweidnitz and Jauer (1326-1368), the last independent Silesian Piast duke. His era was marked by strategic political maneuvering and economic growth, allowing him to maintain relative autonomy amidst powerful neighbors like Bohemia. The minting of a goldgulden, an internationally recognized trade coin mirroring the Florentine fiorino, underscores Schweidnitz's economic importance and Bolko II's assertion of ducal sovereignty and prosperity in a dynamic 14th-century Central European landscape.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for the period, the coin's design adheres to the prevailing Late Gothic stylistic school. Goldguldens of this era often featured a heraldic device, likely the ducal arms of Bolko II—the Silesian eagle—or the city arms of Schweidnitz, possibly alongside a Christian motif. The artistry would emphasize clear, stylized heraldry and legible Latin legends, characteristic of medieval Germanic minting, reflecting the coin's primary function as a medium of trade.

Technical/Grading: As a hammered gold coin, typical high-points prone to wear or strike weakness include the highest relief elements of any heraldic crown, eagle's wingtips, or a saint's figure. Technical strike qualities are often variable, exhibiting off-center strikes, planchet irregularities, and areas of flatness. Gold's malleability meant finer details could be captured if well-struck, but also rendered surfaces susceptible to circulation marks. Adjustment marks to achieve the correct 3.53 gram weight are common, along with an irregular edge from manual blanking.