2022-04-19 Tue

The ducat was used as a trade coin in Europe from the later middle ages until as late as the 20th century. During the 15th century, international traders in Western Europe shifted from the florin to the ducat as their preferred currency. Ducat coins issued by Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III are of particular importance.

A 1648 gold 10-ducat coin of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III has a golden meaning. The coin was struck from metal mined from the Ferdinand Mine at Schemnitz, modern-day Hungary. Its reverse depicts the sun in symbol of gold. The legend on the reverse translates as "Under lucky stars fate is recreated, and Hungary offers to you, Ferdinand, the fruit of your mines.”

Image Courtesy: coinsweekly.com