An exceptionally rare and highly attractive probe issue of a 2 gulden coin from the Danzig mint, struck in 1760 during the reign of Augustus III of Poland.
The broad and impressive format of this piece clearly references thaler coinage, despite its significantly lower weight. The concept was developed during the final years of intensified minting activity in Danzig, when the city sought to counter the influx of debased foreign coinage, including the so-called “Ephraimites” associated with the monetary policies of Friedrich II the Great.
According to the plans of the city authorities, a large silver coin of high fineness was to be introduced into circulation. The design was prepared by Gellentin, dies were engraved by Abraham, and production was entrusted to the mint master Rudolph Ernst Oeckermann. The project envisioned a substantial mintage struck in 11-lot silver, with an approximate weight of 13.6 grams, however, the initiative was ultimately abandoned.
Only a limited probe striking was produced. One likely reason for discontinuation was technical difficulty very broad dies combined with relatively low planchet weight resulted in challenges achieving sharp and fully struck details.
The obverse features a right-facing bust of the king, crowned and armored, draped in a royal mantle, emphasizing the ceremonial character of the issue. The reverse displays the arms of the city of Danzig shield supported by two lions with the denomination and mint master’s initials placed below.
This coin belongs to a group of pattern issues that are very rare on the auction market, with only a handful of specimens traceable in archival records.
The present example exhibits strong surface brilliance with mirror-like fields, alongside slight friction in the background.
A remarkable piece for advanced collections of pattern coinage and Wettin-era numismatics.
Obverse: Crowned bust of the king facing right
D G AVGVSTVS III REX POLONIARUM
Reverse: arms of Danzig supported by two lions, below initials REOE
MON ARGENT CIVITAT GEDANENSIS 1760
Diameter 42 mm, weight 13.99 g
