Dimensions: diameter 2.2 cm, weight 3.46 gr
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This golden Ducat from the Duchy of Liegnitz-Brieg in Silesia, made in 1656, features the visages of Georg III, Ludwig IV, and Christian. Encircling them, an inscription alludes to divine grace, linking earthly rule with celestial authority. Consider how the motif of conjoined portraits has echoed through the ages, from Roman triumvirates to Renaissance family emblems. Here, the three dukes presented together evoke not only dynastic continuity but also the psychological interplay of brotherhood. Is it a display of unity, or a subtle dance of power dynamics? Notice the cross above, a ubiquitous symbol, yet its meaning morphs across centuries. From the crux of salvation to an emblem of authority, its presence here is a powerful reminder of the intertwined nature of religious and secular power. Such symbols are not static; they are palimpsests upon which history etches new layers of meaning. This coin reminds us that symbols evolve, adapt, and resurface, carrying the weight of cultural memory as they journey through time.
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