John II Casimir, Ducat 1649 GR, Gdańsk
Obverse:
A bust of John II Casimir Vasa in right-side profile, wearing a crown and armor (with one bare shoulder) covered by a cloak. On his chest, a chain bearing the Order of the Golden Fleece.
In the rim, an inscription divided at the top by a crown: IOH CAS D G REX POL & SUEC M D L R P
Reverse:
Two lions support an oval shield bearing the coat of arms of Gdańsk. Above the shield are two twigs arranged horizontally, with two palm leaves above them, and a five-leafed twig in the center. Beneath the lions’ paws are the initials G–R (Gerard Rogge—leaseholder of the Gdańsk mint from 1647 to 1650). Below the shield is a decorative console.
In the rim: MON AUREA CIVITATIS GEDANEN 1649
A variant of the king’s portrait featuring smooth armor.
Characteristic arrangement of twigs above the coat-of-arms shield.
A variant with the inscription “IOAN CAS … SUEC M D L R P” in the border on the obverse and “… GEDANEN” in the border on the reverse.
Condition: NGC AU55
A beautifully struck and well-preserved piece. Good detail. Brilliance and plenty of mint luster. High NGC grade. In this condition, the piece is rare and quite difficult to find on the collectors’ market.
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References: Dutkowski G.319 (R4-R5), Kopicki 7649 (R4), Friedberg 24, CNG 304.I, Kaleniecki pp. 370–371, Tyszkiewicz 14 mk
