Lot 684
German States -- Saxony. Ducat, 1818-IGS (Dresden). Fr-2884; KM-1073. 3.48 grams. Friedrich August III, as Friedrich August I, 1806-1827. Head right. Reverse: Crowned oval shield with crossed branches around, dividing date; initials below. Sharply struck. Semi-matte devices on mirror fields. Choice example. NGC graded MS-64 Prooflike.
Friedrich August became the first king of Saxony in 1806. While he and the other German states were losing to Napoleon, he reasoned it was better to ally himself with the French than to continue to lose. This worked until Napoleon lost at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. This caused his imprisoment by the allies and his loss of half his territory. This indirectly led to the dominance of Prussia in the 19th century.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
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| Realized $3,335 |
