Danish 4 Mark 1693 Glückstadt Christian 5.

Danish 4 Mark from 1693 from Glückstadt issued by Christian the 5th (1670-1699). A large and beautiful coin from Glückstadt with the year in inscription. Some call it a Rigsdaler Specie. The coin has a diameter of 39.2 mm and a weight of 22.7 grams. It is made of silver (.671). Obverse with double-linked monogram and crossed glowing hooks at the bottom. Reverse with coat of arms, year under shield with an elephant in between. The coin has grinding marks on each side of the shield, probably because it was made as a brooch and then tried to be removed. Otherwise, it is a neat coin, considering the age. The Danish national order, the Order of the Elephant, was founded by Christian the 1st around 1458. Under Frederik the 2nd, the order took on the character of a knightly order, and under Christian the 5th, the order's statutes were issued in 1693 - the Order of the Elephant had now become the most distinguished order of the absolute monarchy. The elephant is often seen on Danish coins and medals, first on a medal from 1581 (Frederik the 2nd), frequently on Christian the 5th's coins and most recently on the jubilee 2-crown from 1930 (Christian the 10th).