Issuer: Prussia, Kingdom of Composition: Silver; Title: 6 Gröscher - Frederick II; Ruler: Frederick II the Great
The 1756 AD 6 Gröscher coin from the Kingdom of Prussia, minted during the reign of Frederick II, known as Frederick the Great, is a significant numismatic artifact reflecting the economic and political milieu of 18th-century Germany. Frederick II's reign from 1740 to 1786 was marked by considerable military and cultural achievements, positioning Prussia as a major European power. This period, often referred to as the Age of Enlightenment, saw Frederick the Great embrace progressive ideas while simultaneously leading his kingdom through significant territorial expansions, most notably during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763).
The 6 Gröscher coin, a modest denomination in the Prussian currency system, was a crucial part of the everyday economy. It symbolizes the financial strategies employed by Frederick II to fund his ambitious military campaigns and the modernization of Prussia. The coin's design typically featured the bust of Frederick, symbolizing his autocratic rule and the centralized power structure of his kingdom. The coin’s material, craftsmanship, and imagery offer insights into the artistic and technological capabilities of Prussia during this period, as well as the state’s efforts to project its burgeoning power and prestige.
For historians, this coin is not just a piece of currency but an emblem of Frederick the Great's complex legacy. It encapsulates the era's economic policies, the challenges of state-building in the 18th century, and the cultural shift towards Enlightenment ideals. This 6 Gröscher coin thus serves as a tangible link to a pivotal epoch in European history, where military might, enlightened governance, and cultural flourishing coexisted in a dynamic and transformative period.
Denomination | 6 Gröscher |
Metal | Silver |
Size (mm) | Weight (g) | 25 (mm) | 2.4 (g) |
Obverse | Bust facing right Lettering:FRIDERICYS:BORUSSURUM:REX |
Reverse | Crowned 2 arms Lettering:MONETA ARGENTEA 1756VIB |
References | KM C279; |
Rating | Rating Group | Serial Number | Graded with Issue | NGC | 6915711007 |
Links | Link 2 Link 3 |