Extremely rare coin from the times of John II Casimir's minting.
Majestic donative in silver struck at the Danzig mint with the dies of Jan Hoehn the Elder. The dies with which it was struck were also used to strike a 10 ducat donative (Dutkowski G387) and an 8 ducat donative (Dutkowski G388).
On the obverse we have a traditional representation of the monarch in a crown, with the Order of the Golden Fleece on his chest. The inscription in the rim is also conventional IOAN CASIM DG REX POL ET SUEC MDL RUS PRU.
The reverse is much more interesting. Let us note the innovative presentation of the size and magnificence of the city. It is no longer – as in the times of Sigismund Vasa – a drawing of only the city's coat of arms. Here we are dealing with a much more sophisticated propaganda message. The coat of arms of Danzig is of course also on the reverse (on the sides of the coat of arms the initials "G - R" of the mint manager Gerhard Rogge). The most impressive element of the reverse drawing, however, is the magnificent city panorama (with the most recognizable characteristic buildings). Above it, a wreath of clouds rises, through which the sun's rays shine. Four hands emerge from the clouds: two at the bottom in a gesture of prayer, one at the top on the left with an olive branch (symbol of glory, peace and prosperity) and a palm branch (symbol of triumph and majesty) and one hand at the top on the right with a sword and scales (symbols of strength and justice). Above them is the Hebrew name of God – IAHWE. The inscription around it also praises Danzig as the client of this magnificent donation REGIA CIVITAS GEDANENSIS FIERI FEC.
Obverse: bust of the king facing right
IOAN CASIM DG REX POL ET SUEC MDL RUS PRU
Reverse: panorama of the city, below the coat of arms of Danzig and the letters GR
REGIA CIVITAS GEDANENSIS FIERI FEC
Diameter 48 mm, weight 24.26 g
