German States — Bavaria. Ducat, 1644. Fr-195; KM-63. 3.47 grams. 21.83 mm. Maximilian I, 1598-1651. Elector kneeling before haloed madonna and child. Incused line under figures with crown, cross and orb below. Reverse Crowned oval arms with the chain of the Golden fleece.
Maximilian was known as “the Great” but true greatness eluded him. The Thirty Years War devastated his duchy, and he was constantly forced to make alliances with those he detested to save Bavaria. He appears in this coin before the Madonna, perhaps asking for guidance.
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