Saxony 1637-SD ducat Fr-2684
This specimen was lot 1021 in CNG Triton XXIX (New York, January 2026), where it sold for $3,368.75. The catalog description[1] noted,
"GERMANY, Sachsen (Duchy & Electorate [Albertine line]). Johann Georg I. Elector, 1611-1656. AV Dukat. Dresden mint. Dated 1637 SD. Armored figure of Johann Georg standing right, holding sword over shoulder / Coat-of-arms. In NGC encapsulation 8419875-008, graded MS 60. Top Pop.
Born in Dresden to the powerful House of Wettin, Johann Georg I (1585 - 1656) became the Elector of Saxony upon the death of his brother, Christian II. He was an important figure throughout the Thirty Years War, on both sides of the conflict. Initially supporting the Habsburg Ferdinand II, his Lutheran faith resulted in a schism as the Habsurgs became increasingly hostile to Protestants. He did little to combat their hostility, primarily deferring to the authority of the emperor, only agreeing to a military alliance with the Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus after Saxony had been invaded. He later betrayed this alliance, realigning himself with Ferdinand, and in the process declared war on Sweden. Peace was eventually restored through the Peace of Westphalia, and Johann Georg would remain as Elector of Saxony until his death in 1656."
This type was issued annually 1625-55 yet despite the many dates noted, it is scarce.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.49 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 23 mm diameter, 3.47 g, 5 h axis.
Catalog reference: Clauss & Kahnt 117; KM 390; Friedberg 2684.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- [1]Gasvoda, Michael, Victor England, Eric McFadden, Dave Michaels, Bill Dalzell and Lance Hickman, Triton XXIX, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, LLC, 2025.
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