Germany. Frankfurt. Reichsstadt. AD 1764.
2 Ducat AV

26 mm, 6,95 g

IOSEPHUS II D G ROMANORUM REX, DRAPED BUST RIGHT / FELICIBUS AUSPICIIS/ ELECT FRANCOF/ D XXVII MART/ MDCCL XIV, City goddess with olive branch, warrior tied at her feet.

Extremely Fine

Friedberg 1012.

The election of Joseph II as Holy Roman Emperor occurred in 1764 following the death of his father, Francis I. However, it's important to note that Joseph II had been involved in ruling alongside his mother, Maria Theresa, from the late 1740s. This period of co-rule allowed him to gain valuable experience in governance. Joseph II is often associated with the principles of enlightened absolutism, a philosophy that emphasized rationality, religious tolerance, and administrative efficiency in government. He initiated a wide range of reforms with the aim of modernizing the administration, legal systems, and the economy across his extensive domains, which included the Holy Roman Empire. His reign, marked by ambitious reforms, faced considerable opposition, particularly from the nobility and the Church. Joseph II's policies, such as the Edict of Tolerance, which aimed to increase religious freedom, sparked controversy and resistance. Joseph II passed away in 1790, leaving a succession crisis, as he had no direct male heir. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Leopold II. The legacy of Joseph II is complex. He is often seen as a forward-thinking reformer who attempted to bring about profound changes, but his reign also encountered significant challenges and opposition to his reforms. Joseph II's rule ushered in a transformative era in Central European history, characterized by his pursuit of enlightened governance.