The last issue of John II Casimir’s three-kreutzer coins issued in the Duchy of Opole-Racibórz.
This marks the conclusion of an interesting series of coin issues from the duchy, which came under Vasa rule in 1645. It was part of the Treaty of Warsaw concluded between King Władysław and Emperor Ferdinand III.
These duchies served as collateral for the outstanding dowries of the Austrian archduchesses—the wives of the first two Vasa kings on the Polish throne. As Tadeusz Kałkowski describes their history:“Władysław IV held the titles of Duke of Opole and Racibórz for only three years. After his death in 1648, both duchies were temporarily taken over by his brother, Jan Kazimierz, but upon being elected king, he transferred them to his brother… Karol Ferdynand, Bishop of Wrocław… After the bishop’s death in 1655, the Duchy of Opole and Racibórz returned once again to Jan Kazimierz.”
Today, coins from the latter’s reign are rare and difficult to find in beautiful condition.
This specimen is an uncirculated coin, retaining its original luster, with only the minting imperfections typical of this issue (metal flaws, under-striking).
Graded MS61 by NGC, it is the only MS-graded coin from the entire issue in the NGC census (the so-called “Top Pop”).
