A rare and striking item now available in our collection for the first time.
Minted in Wrocław in 1617, Emperor Matthias II’s two-ducat coin is a large, highly prestigious gold coin, the size of which corresponds to the ort coins of Sigismund III Vasa, from whose era it actually dates.
This issue was created to commemorate the coronation of the emperor’s successor—Ferdinand II—as King of Bohemia, which took place on June 29, 1617. As the capital of Silesia, which was subject to the Bohemian Crown, Wrocław minted these propaganda “succession” coins. The reverse features the monogram of Ferdinand II (F II), surrounded by a crown and palm branches, and accompanied by his personal motto: “LEGITIME CERTANTIBVS” (“To those who fight in accordance with the law”). This motto carried powerful political significance, legitimizing the authority of Ferdinand, who was not a direct heir of Matthias II.
The item up for auction is a very attractive, natural-looking two-ducat coin with a slight mint luster still visible. Two faint bending lines are visible in the background; otherwise, the coin is flawless.
Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Silesian coinage section in this auction.
Gold, diameter 30 mm, weight 6.96 g (catalog weight).
