Ducat (Early type) 1586-1668 front Ducat (Early type) 1586-1668 back
Ducat (Early type) 1586-1668 photo
© Stacks Bowers

Ducat Early type

 
Gold (.986) 3.49 g -
Description
Issuer
Province of Holland (Dutch Republic)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1586-1668
Value
1 Ducat
Currency
Gulden (1581-1795)
Composition
Gold (.986)
Weight
3.49 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#321364
Rarity index
91%

Reverse

Inscription in five lines on square tablet in an ornate frame

Script: Latin

Lettering:
MO·ORDI
PROVIN
FOEDER
BELG·AD
LEG·IMP

Unabridged legend: MOneta ORDinum PROVINciarum FOEDERatorum BELGii ad LEGem IMPerii

Translation: Coinage of the United Provinces of the Netherlands issued in accordance with the law

Comment

The ducat was struck great consistency of design over the 80 year period for this type.

However, some small variations in punctuation and spelling exist. For example, starting from the 1630s, the first line of the tablet inscription is more commonly MO ORD, and starting from 1654 the mintmark (rose) moves to the right of the knight's helmet at the beginning of the legend.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Ducat coin is that it was used as a standardized form of currency across the Dutch Republic, which was a rare occurrence in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. Most countries had their own unique coinage systems, making it difficult for merchants and traders to conduct business across borders. The Ducat, however, was widely accepted and trusted, thanks to its consistent weight and purity, making it an important tool for facilitating trade and commerce in the region.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
1591  560 - - - - - -
1596  250530 - - - - - -
1600  112000 - - - - - -
1604  312690 - - - - - -
1621  162190 - - - - - -
1632  141000 - - - - - -
1639  180070 - - - - - -
1644  338820 - - - - - -
1650  494760 - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Ducat (Early type) 1586-1668 coin.