Variety with a single superscript dot at the beginning of the obverse legend after IOAN and the initials HDL, Hans Dawid Lauer, mintmaster and administrator of the Thorn mint.
First issue after several years of interruption in the striking of this denomination at the Thorn mint.
After the devastating wars of the mid-17th century, including the Thirty Years’ War and conflicts with Sweden, the minting of gold ducats became rare and limited. Cities like Toruń used their minting rights to emphasize their economic and political independence. The Toruń ducats of 1659 mark the revival of minting activity after years of hiatus and symbolized the prestige of the city during the difficult reconstruction following the Swedish Deluge.
Obverse: crowned bust of the king, right, with the Order of the Golden Fleece suspended on his chest
IOAN CAS D G R POL ET SVEC M D L R PR
Reverse: Angel holding a large, oval shield with the coat of arms of Thorn, on the sides the date 16-59 with the initials H D-L underneath
MONETA AVREA CIVIT THORVNENSIS
Gold, diameter 25 mm, weight 3.51 g
