½ Ducat - Christoph Francis of Hutten ND (1724-1729) front ½ Ducat - Christoph Francis of Hutten ND (1724-1729) back
½ Ducat - Christoph Francis of Hutten ND (1724-1729) photo
© Heidelberger Münzhandlung Herbert Grün e.K.

½ Ducat - Christoph Francis of Hutten ND

 
Gold (.986) 1.75 g 17 mm
Description
Issuer
Bishopric of Würzburg (German States)
Bishop
Christopher Francis of Hutten (Christoph Franz von Hutten) (1724-1729)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1724-1729
Value
½ Ducat (½ Dukat)
Currency
Thaler
Composition
Gold (.986)
Weight
1.75 g
Diameter
17 mm
Shape
Round
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#119134
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Sword with ecclesiastical stole and rope.

Script: Latin

Lettering: DEFENDIT NON LAEDIT

Engraver: Georg Wilhelm Vestner

Comment

Christoph Franz von Hutten (1673–1729) was the Prince-Bishop of Würzburg from 1724 to 1729.
Christoph Franz von Hutten was born in Mainberg in Lower Franconia on 19 May 1673. He was the son of Ritter Johann von Hutten (1629–90) and his wife Anna Maria, nėe Freiin von Hagen zu Motten und Buschfeld (1649–98).
He was educated at the University of Würzburg from 1680 to 1685. In 1686, he became a canon (Domizellar) of Würzburg Cathedral and of Comburg. He then studied at the Collegium Germanicum in Rome. He spent 1690-91 at the University of Siena. He then studied at the University of Mainz.
He was made a canon of Bamberg Cathedral on 2 March 1711. He became dean of Würzburg Cathedral on 12 November 1716. On 31 October 1717 he was ordained as a priest.
The cathedral chapter of Würzburg Cathedral elected him Prince-Bishop of Würzburg on 2 October 1724; Pope Benedict XIII confirmed his appointment on 28 December 1724. Johann Bernhard Mayer, auxiliary bishop of Würzburg, consecrated him as a bishop on 8 April 1725.
He died of pneumonia on 25 March 1729. He was buried in Würzburg Cathedral on 26 April 1729

Helmschrott 591, Bernheimer 399, Slg. Piloty 1130

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the ½ Ducat - Christoph Francis of Hutten ND (1724-1729) from Bishopric of Würzburg (German States) coin is that it was minted during a time of great economic and political change in Europe. The coin was issued during the reign of Christoph Francis of Hutten, who was the Prince-Bishop of Würzburg from 1724 to 1729. During this period, the Holy Roman Empire was in decline, and the German states were experiencing significant political and economic changes. The coin's minting was likely a response to the need for a stable currency during this time of upheaval. Additionally, the coin's composition of .986 gold and its weight of 1.75 grams make it a unique and valuable collector's item. The use of gold in the coin's minting was a deliberate choice, as gold was a valuable and highly sought-after metal at the time. The coin's weight, on the other hand, was carefully chosen to ensure that it was easily divisible into smaller units, making it a practical choice for everyday transactions. Overall, the ½ Ducat - Christoph Francis of Hutten ND (1724-1729) from Bishopric of Würzburg (German States) coin is not only a beautiful and valuable collector's item, but it also provides a fascinating glimpse into the economic and political climate of 18th-century Europe.