Set of two ducats Royal couples - Vladislav II. a Judita Durynská proof
Set of two ducats Royal couples - Vladislav II. a Judita Durynská proof
The product can also be purchased directly in the stores of the Czech Mint
Royal couples
The Czech Mint dedicated the set of two gold ducats to the third historical couple which is Vladislaus II. and Judith of Thuringia. The set belongs to the cycle entitled the Royal couples.
Přemyslid Prince Vladislaus II. was a capable ruler and an experienced warrior. He fought against the rebellious nobility at home, embarked on a crusade to the Holy Land, helped the emperor in the struggle with northern Italian cities and earned a royal crown for it. When the Italian campaign was over, he returned home with gold and silver, great glory and a new heraldic animal - a silver lion on a red field that replaced the former Premyslid eagle. The beast represented the virtues of the knight, the strength and courage shown by the king in conquering the city of Milan in the service of the Emperor. His wife was extremely enterprising and educated, often represented the king in state affairs and became the founder of a number of important buildings.
“The common obverse side with the faces of Vladislaus II. and Judith of Thuringia does not rely on their historical depictions, because they have not been preserved. The types of faces, therefore, depict the characteristics of the couple, namely Vladislaus's militancy and Judith's sophistication. In the case of the king, there is at least one authentic detail. He was beardless, which is evidenced by his denaries, ” the academic sculptor Michal Vitanovský explains. The royal pair is further identified by coats of arms - the Thuringian lion and the Premyslid eagle. “The King's reverse side focuses on getting the royal crown from the hands of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. The fact that it was a political act representing a reward for a loyal ally is expressed by the placement of the main characters in the background and the absence of courtiers represented by only a pair of knights. The place of coronation is reminiscent of the Regensburg coat of arms. The Queen's reverse side then emphasizes her remarkable founding activities which were more reserved for men in the Middle Ages. It is the first stone bridge in Prague and the Benedictine monastery in Teplice. This was obviously very important for Judith, who is supposed to have been buried there, ” the author of the ducats adds.
Ducats are stored in an elegant wooden box with a lid decorated with chess pieces, symbolizing the king and queen. Inside you will also find an illustrated certificate of authenticity with the author's accompanying word.