A Symbol of Peace and Artistic Legacy

The 1700 Nuremberg Lamb Ducat (1/16 Ducat Gold Coin)
An extraordinary coin combining beauty, rarity, and enduring spiritual symbolism

Among animal-themed gold coins of the Holy Roman Empire, few hold the symbolic and emotional depth of the Lamb Ducat — a coin that stands not only as a piece of history, but as a lasting reflection of humanity’s yearning for peace.

■ Design

Obverse:
The Lamb of God (Agnus Dei), standing atop a globe and holding a banner of peace.
This powerful image symbolizes sacrifice, redemption, and harmony — a message deeply rooted in both mythology and Christian tradition.

Reverse:
A crowned coat of arms of the Free Imperial City of Nuremberg, surrounded by palm fronds.
The left half depicts the double-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire, while the right half bears Nuremberg’s red and white city shield. The detailed engraving represents both imperial allegiance and civic pride.

This design embodies the fusion of religious symbolism, mythological allusion, and civic identity, making the coin far more than a medium of exchange — it is a miniature work of art with a message that transcends centuries.

■ Grade

MS64 – Mint State
View NGC Certification

■ Coin Details

• Year: 1700

• Issuing Authority: Free Imperial City of Nuremberg

• Denomination: 1/16 Ducat

• Material: Gold

• Weight: Approx. 0.22 g

• Diameter: Approx. 10 mm

• NGC Graded Population: 367

• Grade Ranking: 6th highest at NGC

■ Rarity and Collectability

Although 367 examples have been graded by NGC, the true rarity lies in the coin’s availability.
The total certified number reflects the global collector base, not annual market availability. Most examples are securely held by collectors and rarely resurface.

Especially in Mint State grades, coins like this are highly sought-after and almost never appear in open circulation.
MS64 places this coin among the top six examples ever certified, an exceptional ranking for a coin over 300 years old.

With high demand across Europe, North America, and Asia, Holy Roman Empire gold coins — especially those with such rich symbolic content — remain one of the most competitive categories in international numismatics.

■ Historical Context

This coin was issued at the turn of the 18th century, just decades after the end of the Thirty Years’ War — one of the most devastating conflicts in European history.

The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) restored peace, and cities like Nuremberg, once ravaged by war, began issuing coins that embodied the ideals of renewal and harmony. The Lamb Ducat, struck in 1700, was a tribute to this new era of peace, commemorating not only a century’s beginning but also a people’s collective hope.

The depiction of the Lamb of God standing over the world and holding a flag of peace is more than symbolic. It is a message of faith, resilience, and the triumph of peace over chaos.

■ Artistic and Cultural Significance

What makes the Lamb Ducat especially compelling is its fusion of design and meaning.
The coin is admired for:

• Its refined engraving, especially in such a small size

• The peaceful symbolism in its obverse imagery

• The heraldic richness of its reverse

These attributes have earned the Lamb Ducat the nickname “Gold of Peace” in collector circles.
Its small but detailed form, combined with its message, makes it one of the most distinctive and emotionally resonant coins of early modern Europe.

■ Investment Outlook

Coins with historical depth and high-grade preservation like this continue to appreciate in both market value and cultural recognition.

Despite the seemingly moderate number of certified examples, the actual supply in the market is extremely thin.
Most high-grade Lamb Ducats, especially those in MS64 or above, are held in private or institutional collections — rarely offered for public sale.

The consistent rise in demand for symbolic, religious, and early European gold coinage suggests that this coin will remain a cornerstone of serious collections and a reliable store of value.

■ Final Remarks

The 1700 Nuremberg 1/16 Lamb Ducat is more than just a gold coin. It is a symbol of peace, a testament to European resilience, and a treasured artifact of both art and faith.

For collectors seeking a rare, beautiful, and historically meaningful acquisition, this coin offers a unique opportunity.
Its small size belies its immense significance — a coin that speaks quietly but powerfully across centuries.

We highly recommend securing this piece while it remains available.