The ducat was struck in the Kremnitz mint in 1790, the first year of Leopold II’s reign (1790–1792). He was the son of Maria Theresa and the brother of Joseph II, succeeding him as Holy Roman Emperor and King of Hungary and Bohemia.
The coronation of Leopold II as King of Hungary took place on 15 November 1790 in Pressburg (today Bratislava). Ducats of this type served both as circulating gold coins and as ceremonial issues marking the ruler’s accession, emphasizing Habsburg dynastic continuity and the close association of Hungary with the Virgin Mary as its celestial protector.
The Marian motif on the reverse, depicting Patrona Hungariae, had since the 17th century symbolized not only spiritual devotion but also political legitimacy, underlining the belief that the Hungarian crown and kingdom were under the divine guardianship of the Mother of God.
Attractive coin that exhibits plenty of mint luster. Light surface hairliness.
A coin with very fresh appearance.
Obverse: Standing figure of Emperor Leopold II in coronation attire, holding the sceptre in his right hand and the royal orb in his left
LEOP II D G HV BO GA L R A A D B ET L M D H
Gold, diameter 22 mm, weight 3.48 g
