A Rare Harmony of History, Faith, and Beauty

The 1700 Nuremberg "Lamb Ducat" — A Masterpiece of Symbolism and Craftsmanship

Among animal-themed numismatics, few coins radiate the depth of meaning and historical resonance found in the 1700 Lamb Ducat.
Struck in the Free Imperial City of Nuremberg, within the Holy Roman Empire, this coin is a profound tribute to peace and rebirth at the dawn of the 18th century.

■ Design

Obverse:
The Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) standing atop a globe, holding a banner inscribed with the word PAX, meaning “peace.”
Legend: TEMPORA NOSTRA PATER DONATA PACE CORONA
(“Christ crowns our age with the gift of peace”)

Reverse:
Three shields bearing the crests of the Holy Roman Empire and the Free City of Nuremberg, flanked by elegant palm branches
Legend: ✠ SECVLVM NOVVM CELEBRAT RESP. NORIBERGENSIS
(“The Republic of Nuremberg celebrates the new century”)
Mintmark: GFN – Georg Friedrich Nürnberg, the mintmaster

The lamb atop the earth, a motif drawn from classical mythology and Christian theology, evokes a universal yearning for peace in the wake of devastating wars. This design has led to the coin’s widely known name: the Lamb Ducat.

■ Grade

AU55 (About Uncirculated)
View NGC Certification

■ Coin Details

• Year: 1700

• Issuing Authority: Free City of Nuremberg, Holy Roman Empire

• Denomination: 1 Ducat

• Material: Gold

• Weight: 3.46 g

• Diameter: Approximately 22 mm

• NGC Certified Population: 35

• PCGS Certified Population: 10

• Total Certified Worldwide: 45 coins

• NGC Grade Ranking: 5th highest

• PCGS Grade Ranking: 3rd highest

■ Rarity

With only 45 examples certified worldwide across both major grading services — NGC: 35 and PCGS: 10 — this coin ranks among the rarest surviving gold issues of early 18th-century Germany.

• This specimen is graded AU55, placing it in the top five certified by NGC

• Only a handful of coins have been graded higher

• Its scarcity is further underscored by the fact that most certified examples have long since disappeared into established collections

Public offerings of this coin are extremely rare and typically met with immediate acquisition, making this a fleeting opportunity for those seeking a truly exceptional numismatic artifact.

■ Condition

Despite being over 300 years old, this coin has retained strong detail and definition, especially on the lamb, globe, peace banner, and shield motifs.
Graded AU55, it represents a nearly uncirculated specimen, with only minimal evidence of handling — an extraordinary state of preservation for a piece of this age and type.

The precision of the strike, the sharpness of the legends, and the surviving luster speak to the technical sophistication of the Nuremberg mint and the coin’s careful stewardship through the centuries.

■ Historical and Cultural Significance

The Lamb Ducat was born out of Europe’s collective trauma and cautious hope following the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648), one of the most destructive conflicts in European history.

As the Holy Roman Empire stabilized and peace returned, the city of Nuremberg — long a center of trade, diplomacy, and artistic achievement — issued the Lamb Ducat to mark the arrival of a new century and a renewed aspiration for peace.

• The lamb atop the globe holding the PAX banner symbolizes divine peace and global redemption

• The obverse inscription praises Christ for bestowing peace upon the world

• The reverse features heraldic shields representing both imperial power and civic pride, framed by palm fronds — a traditional symbol of peace and victory

This is not merely a coin; it is a spiritual and cultural artifact. It stands as a quiet yet powerful testament to the resilience of faith, the longing for reconciliation, and the enduring hope of humankind.

■ Market Appeal

The Lamb Ducat enjoys strong, sustained demand among collectors of:

• Early German States coinage

• Religious and symbolic gold coins

• Peace-themed historical artifacts

• Holy Roman Empire numismatics

Its limited population, deep narrative, and ornate design have also made it a highly regarded piece among institutional collectors and museums.

In recent years, the coin’s artistic and symbolic value has received growing international attention, earning it the nickname “The Gold of Peace” in auction catalogues and collector circles.

With increased focus on coins that reflect universal values and meaningful design, the Lamb Ducat is well-positioned for continued appreciation in both cultural and financial terms.

■ Final Assessment

This 1700 Nuremberg Lamb Ducat in AU55 condition is a rare and precious survivor — one that bridges faith, history, and artistry with remarkable clarity.

Its powerful iconography, limited mintage, and extraordinary preservation make it not only a collector’s jewel but a timeless symbol of humanity’s enduring desire for peace.

For those seeking a piece with genuine meaning, historic integrity, and lasting value, this coin is an opportunity of true significance.