1 Дукат

1888, Regensburg. Gold "Thurn & Taxis Homage" Ducat Coin. Only 33 Struck! NGC MS65PL!

Mint Year: 1888
Mintage: 33 pieces!
Mint Place: Regensburg
References: Friedberg -, Hermann 281, KM-. 
Condition: Certified and graded by NGC as MS-65 Proof-Like!
Denomination: Official Homage Ducat (Huldigungsdukat) of the City of Regensburg - Struck for the 21st Birthday and begin of his sole regency (his mother served as regent for him from 1885) of Prince Albert 8th, of Thurn and Taxis in 1888.
Material: Gold (.986)
Diameter: 21.8mm
Weight: 3.96gm

Obverse: DUcal crown on composite coat-of-arms of the Prince of Thurn and Taxis. Motto above, date (1888) split below.
Legend: VIRTVS TVRRI FORTIOR ("Virtue  is the strongest tower.")

Reverse: Inscription in two lines (PERPETVA FIDE * - "Everlasting faith.") within wreath.
Legend: * HOMAGIVM * RATISBONAE * ("Homage of Regensburg.") /

The Princely House of Thurn and Taxis (German: Fürstenhaus Thurn und Taxis) is a family of German nobility that is part of the Briefadel. It was a key player in the postal services in Europe during the 16th century, until the end of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, and became well known as the owner of breweries and builder of many castles. The current head of the house is Albert, 12th Prince of Thurn and Taxis. The family is one of the wealthiest in Germany and has resided at St. Emmeram Castle in Regensburg since 1748.

Albert Maria Joseph Maximilian Lamoral, 8th Prince of Thurn and Taxis (full German name: Albert Maria Joseph Maximilian Lamoral Fürst von Thurn und Taxis; 8 May 1867 – 22 January 1952) was the eighth Prince of Thurn and Taxis and Head of the Princely House of Thurn and Taxis from 2 June 1885 until his death on 22 January 1952.

Albert was born at Regensburg, Germany, the younger son of Maximilian Anton Lamoral, Hereditary Prince of Thurn and Taxis (1831–1867) and Duchess Helene in Bavaria (1834–1890). His father died when he was less than two months old, and he was raised by his mother.

In 1871 Albert's grandfather Maximilian Karl died, and his older brother Maximilian Maria succeeded as Fürst. Maxmilian died 2 June 1885 and Albert succeeded as Fürst; his mother served as regent until his 21st birthday in 1888. On 8 May 1889 he was named Duke of Wörth and Donaustauf by Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria. On 30 November 1889 he was made a knight of the Austrian Order of the Golden Fleece.

On 15 July 1890 in Budapest, Hungary, Albert married Archduchess Margarethe Klementine of Austria (6 July 1870 – 2 May 1955), daughter of Archduke Joseph Karl of Austria. Albert purchased the 'Empress Eugenie Tiara' as a wedding present for Margarethe; the tiara, designed by Gabriel Lemmonier in 1853, was part of the French crown jewels and is now in the Louvre in Paris.

Albert died at Regensburg where he is buried with his wife in the crypt chapel of Schloss St. Emmeram, formerly St. Emmeram's Abbey.