Ducat "Emmengold Sonnenkronne"
1656 year| Gold | 3.3 g | - |
| Issuer | City of Lucerne |
|---|---|
| Period | Free imperial city (1415-1648) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 1656 |
| Value | Ducats (3) |
| Currency | Thaler (1550-1656) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 3.3 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-07 |
| Numista | N#296509 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Comment
"Emmengold", river gold extracted from the Emme, had a special role in the minting of gold coins in Lucerne. Already operated on a lease basis in the 15th century, gold panning on the Emme has been recorded in Lucerne account books since 1523. Over time, a considerable amount of gold had accumulated in the municipal treasury vault of the Water Tower. The imminent dangers of the First War of Villmergen forced special measures to be taken.
On 31 August 1656, the minting of emergency coins was proposed in the War Council. Thereupon, on 14 September, the "Ehrenausschuß der Reformation der oberkeitlichen Haushaltung" (Honorary Committee of the Reformation of the Superior Household) decided to have the Emmengold minted into Sonnenkronen ducats. The Emmengold ducats were not intended to be put into circulation immediately, but were to be placed in the Water Tower for cases of extreme need of the state.
A seigneurage of 3 grains of gold was saved on each piece by order of the authorities, and bailiff and mintmaster Jost Hartmann received a certificate releasing him and his heirs from any responsibility for this emergency coinage. For this reason, the year was also omitted from the coins.
It is questionable whether these ducats were actually struck. Wielandt suggests that they were probably minted, but melted down after the war, with no specimen surviving to date.
Source:
Friedrich Wielandt; 1969. "Münz- und Geldgeschichte des Standes Luzern". Schweizerischer Bankverein Luzern, Lucerne, Switzerland.
Interesting fact
The "Emmengold Sonnenkronne" Ducat coin from the City of Lucerne, made of gold and weighing 3.3g, is a rare and valuable collector's item. One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique design, with an image of the sun on one side and the coat of arms of Lucerne on the other. This design was meant to symbolize the power and wealth of the city, and it makes the coin stand out among other coins from the same era.
