Augustus II the Strong Ducat

Augustus II's ducats were struck to finance his extravagant military campaigns, like the Great Northern War against Sweden, which often left his treasury depleted.

These gold coins, typically weighing around 3.5 grams, featured his portrait on the obverse, complete with flowing hair and armor that hinted at his self-proclaimed strength. The reverse showed the Polish eagle, a symbol of his kingship, sometimes accompanied by his monogram. Mintage figures remain uncertain; records from that era were likely destroyed in later conflicts.

Struck in various mints across Poland and Saxony, they reflected his dual rule as Elector and King. It's no surprise that a ruler who bent horseshoes with his bare hands ended up with coins that were equally unyielding in value.