© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
2 Ducats - John Philip and Frederick William II Saalfeld
| Gold | 7 g | - |
| Issuer | Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg (German States) |
|---|---|
| Duke | John Philip (1603-1639) Frederick William II (Friedrich Wilhelm II) (1603-1669) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1637-1638 |
| Value | 2 Ducats (7) |
| Currency | Thaler (1583-1840) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7 g |
| Shape | Round |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#119379 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Arms, dividing to the sides the date and the mint-masters initials.
Script: Latin
Lettering: DVC • SAX • IVL • CLI • ET MONT • LINIÆ • ALTENB •
Engraver: Martin Reimann
Comment
In 1618, Johann Philipp, as elder son, was declared adult and assumed the government of the duchy of Saxe-Altenburg. Also, he took over the guardianship of his younger siblings. The four brothers co-ruled the duchy, but two of them died soon after and childless: Frederick, who was killed in action in 1625, and Johann Wilhelm, died in Brieg on 1632.Johann Philipp and his only surviving brother, Friedrich Wilhelm II, continued as co-rulers; but, in fact, it was Johann Philipp who really assumed the supreme and full control of the government until his death.
In 1613, Johann Philipp was appointed Dean of the University of Leipzig. Also, he was an active member of the Fruitbearing Society.
In 1638, he received the towns of Coburg, Bad Rodach, Römhild, Hildburghausen and Neustadt, according to the divisionary treaty between him and the branch of Saxe-Weimar after the death of the duke John Ernest of Saxe-Eisenach without surviving issue.
Before his death, he made a will, when he declared his daughter the general heiress of the branch of Saxe-Altenburg, only in case of extinction of the male issue of the family. This will later originated a dispute between the branches of Saxe-Gotha and Saxe-Weimar.
Johann Philipp was succeeded by his younger and only surviving brother, Frederick William II.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 2 Ducats coin from Saxe-Altenburg is that it features a unique double portrait of John Philip and Frederick William II, who were co-rulers of the duchy at the time. This double portrait design was a rare feature in coins of that era and adds to the coin's historical significance and collectible value.
