GERMANY. Bayern. Kurfürstentum. Maximilian I, 1598-1651. 5 Dukaten 1640 (Gold, 38 mm, 17.38 g, 12 h), on the completion of new fortifications around Munich. München (Munich). MAXIMIL:COM:PAL:RH:VT:BA:DVX•S:R:I:ARCHIDAP:ET•ELECT: Armoured Maximilian I as Elector to the Palatinate of the Rhine standing slightly to right, holding scepter in his right hand and placing globus cruciger with his left on pedestal with coat of arms. Rev. NISI•DOM:CVSTODIERIT•CIVIT•FRVST:VIGIL:QVI•CVSTODIT•1640 View of Munich; above, Nimbate and crowned Madonna, between two angels, seated facing in a glory of rays, holding scepter in left right hand and the infant Christ in her right arm. Beierlein 808 var. (slightly differing reverse legend). Friedberg 196. Hahn N125. KM 61. Slightly cleaned and minor areas of weakness, otherwise, very fine.


Under the rule of Maximilian I, the Electorate of Bavaria began its transformation into a model absolutist state. Maximilian I introduced a more efficient system of government, built a formidable army, reformed the judiciary, and actively supported the arts and culture as a patron. This impressive Multiple Ducat stands as a testament to the Bavarian elector’s strategic foresight during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), in which he played a pivotal role as the founder of the Catholic League.

With the looming threat of a Swedish invasion, Maximilian I ordered the fortifications of Munich to be reinforced starting in 1637. The reverse of this five-ducat coin commemorates the temporary completion of the city's new defenses in 1640 - fortifications that, in September 1646, successfully withstood a Swedish assault.

The striking obverse, depicting Maximilian I in full armor, later served as the model for the renowned painting ‘Elector Maximilian I of Bavaria’ (1648) by Munich court painter Nikolaus Prugger (1620-1694). W. Hahn suggests that this type may also have been minted in anticipation of Emperor Ferdinand III’s (1608-1657) visit in May 1641, intended as prestigious gifts for high-ranking members of the imperial entourage (cf. W. Hahn / A. Hahn-Zelleke: Die Münzen der baierischen Herzoge und Kurfürsten 1506–1806, Vienna 2007, p. 57.).