Here is one of the last crown double-ducats minted during the reign of King John II Casimir.
A large, striking coin from the Kraków Mint, preserved in very fine condition. It is currently the only crown two-ducat from this year with a numerical grade in the NGC grading system (known as “Top Pop”). The coin retains its natural surface luster, with no unusual flaws or damage, except for a slight trace of bending—a common feature of large gold coins from this period. Additionally, it features nicely and evenly struck details, with no central under-strike—a definite advantage given the shallower, less three-dimensional relief of the dies from this year. A very attractive coin.
This issue dates from a time when the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, rising from the ashes of the Swedish Deluge, was still bleeding from an exhausting war with the Russian Tsardom. It dates from the year in which the king’s expedition beyond the Dnieper finally collapsed. When the depleting royal treasury was saved by putting undervalued coins into circulation: copper shillings (so-called “boratynki”) or crown zlotys known as “tymfy.”
During this difficult period, the crown’s gold minting was practically dominated by two-ducats, though their mintage was most likely small. This is confirmed both by the small number of known dies and by the fact that foreign ducats, which were common in circulation, dominated larger transactions of that era.
A first in our history.
To date, we have had only one Crown double-ducat from this year, but that was the Bydgoszcz specimen (sold for 204,000 zlotys in 2024).
Obverse: a crowned bust in armor covered by a cloak fastened with a brooch, with the Order of the Golden Fleece on the chest. In the rim:
IO CASIM D G RE [Ślepowron] X POL &. SVE M D L.
Reverse: a crowned, five-field shield bearing the coats of arms of Poland, Lithuania, and the Vasa dynasty, encircled by a chain of the Order of the Golden Fleece. On the sides, the initials A-T (those of the mint’s leaseholder, Andrzej Tymf). In the rim:
MONETA AVREA REGN POL 1664 [gold coin of the Kingdom of Poland 1664].
