AUSTRIA. Salvator Mundi Gold Medallic 6 Ducats, ND (1616-63). PCGS AU-58 Gold Shield. Weight: 20.76 gms. Obverse: SALVATOR MVNDI, draped bust of Christ left within wreathed border; Reverse: Coats-of-arms of Austria and Vienna; MVN RP / VIENN (a gift from the city of Vienna</em>) in two lines above and below; all within wreathed border. An engaging medallic issue with crossover religious appeal, this VERY RARE type features some scattered marks in the fields and maintains a yellow-gold brilliance, but doesnt show many signs of extensive handling.In 1575, the city council of Vienna decreed that award medals would be presented to high-ranking public officials as a gift of their service to the municipality. Existing in sizes equivalent to 3, 6, and 12 ducats, these gold issues started to feature the </em>Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World) bust of Christ a few years later in 1581. During the 17th century, this design was meant to be given for services deemed especially important to the city. While the concept continued into the 18th century, these earlier versions of Christ are of a different feel than those to follow and are also considerably rarer and more difficult to encounter.</em>
