A beautifully preserved, rare ducat from the final issue of King Augustus III’s vicarial ducats.
This issue features exceptional reverse iconography, found only on ducats from this year, depicting a soaring eagle with a crown and scepter, bearing the five-field coat of arms of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Saxony on its chest. The edge inscription reads DECUS ET PRAESIDIUM (glory and protection), and the inner section reads PROVISOR IMPERII ITERUM MDCCXLV (Provisor of the Empire again 1745).
The first issue of vicarial coins by the Polish king took place during the reign of Augustus II. This term derives from a privilege granted to the Saxon electors, who, in accordance with it, exercised the vicariate in the Saxon district following the emperor’s death. On this occasion, a series of coins with distinctive iconography was minted. This tradition was continued by his son, Augustus III, who minted his first coins in 1740 and his last in 1745.
Beautiful mint luster on both sides. Slight surface wear. Very nice detail.
Gold, diameter 21 mm, weight 3.46 g.
