1 dukat, Stockholm, Karl X Gustav, 1654

Sweden’s first one-ducat coin was struck in 1654, the same year that Karl X Gustav became king. This ducat was an international trade coin with a high gold content, over 23 carats.

The ducat began to be struck in Venice in 1284 in response to the florin struck in Florence since 1252. The ducat rapidly became a popular trade coin, and the minting of ducats spread across Europe.

In Sweden, ducats were minted until Karl XV in 1868. In the past, the ducat was used not only as a trade coin, but also as a royal representation coin.

Image rights: Helena Bonnevier, Ekonomiska museet - Kungliga myntkabinettet/SHM (CC BY 4.0)

Object number: 111717_KMK

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