1 Ducat "Contribution Ducat" Small clouds

Features

Issuer Free imperial city of Frankfurt (German States)
Period Free City (1372-1866)
Type Standard circulation coin
Year 1796
Value 1 Ducat (3.5)
Currency Thaler
Composition Gold (.986)
Weight 3.5 g
Diameter 20.5 mm
Shape Round
Technique Hammered
Demonetized Yes
Number
N#
31099
References KM# 289,
Tracy L. Schmidt (editor); 2019. Standard Catalog of World Coins / 2001-Date (14th edition). Krause Publications, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, United States.
And 5 more volumes.
JuF# 964,
Paul Joseph, Eduard Fellner; 1896. Die Münzen von Frankfurt am Main / 1 : nebst einer münzgeschichtlichen Einleitung und mehreren Anhängen. August Osterreich, Frankfurt, Germany.
And 1 more volumes.
Fr# 1025
Arthur L. Friedberg, Ira S. Friedberg, Robert Friedberg; 2017. Gold Coins of the World : From Ancient Times to the Present (9th edition). Coin & Currency Institute, Williston, Vermont, United States.

Obverse

Bird's eye perspective of the city of Frankfurt am Main, with sailing boats on the river Main in the foreground, the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew (Frankfurter Kaiserdom Sankt Bartholomäus) and the Sachsenhausen quarters to the right, and the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke) in the background. Hills behind. Cloud above.

Reverse

Inscription in seven lines within laurel wreath.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
AUS DEN
GEFÆSEN
DER KIRCHEN UND
BURGER
DER STADT
FRANCKFURT.
1796.

Translation: From the vessels of the churches and citizens of the city of Frankfurt.

Edge

Plain

Mint

Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Comments

Mint masters: Georg Hille and Johann Georg Bunsen

Three different dies were produced to mint these ducats. They can be distinguished by the size of the clouds on the obverse. KM likely refers to two of these dies when distinguishing the two types KM# 289 and KM# 290. A copper trial strike is known for the die with the largest clouds.

The coin is also known as a contribution ducat (Kontributionsdukat), referring to the contribution made to the French army when it occupied the city of Frankfurt for one and a half months in 1796.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the French troops led by General Jean-Baptiste Kléber besieged the city of Frankfurt. After heavy shelling, the city capitulated on 16 July 1796. The French troops took seven councillors hostage and demanded six million francs in cash and two million in supplies. One-third of the ransom was to be paid in three days, the other two in ten days each. To be able to meet these demands, a public collection of precious metals was organised, and a large part of the council silver was melted down. The inscription on the reverse refers to the gold and silver vessels that were collected from the churches and citizens to satisfy the demands of the occupying army. The French were defeated by Archduke Charles at Amberg on 3 September, and they vacated the city on 8 September.

See also

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Date VG F VF XF AU UNC
1796  Photo

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Numista Rarity index: 97 Search tips
This index is based on the data of Numista members collections. It ranges from 0 to 100, 0 meaning a very common coin or banknote and 100 meaning a rare coin or banknote among Numista members.

Bullion value: USD 244.90 Search tips
This value is given for information purpose only. It is based on a price of gold at 70 965 USD/kg. Numista does not buy or sell coins or metal.

Past sales

Pictures Sale Date Grade Sold price
Picture 1 of a sold 1 Ducat "Contribution Ducat" (Small clouds)Picture 1 of a sold 1 Ducat "Contribution Ducat" (Small clouds)Picture 1 of a sold 1 Ducat "Contribution Ducat" (Small clouds)Picture 1 of a sold 1 Ducat "Contribution Ducat" (Small clouds)
Heritage Auctions
2020 February 9 A Special Collection of Frankfurt Coins World Coins Monthly Online Auction 61153
Lot 99041
Internet Archive
9 Feb 2020 UNC
(PCGS MS62)
USD 2520.00
(incl. buyer's premium)
See the sales

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