The ducat was a goldcoin that was used throughout Europe. It weighed 3.5 grams of .986 pure gold.
The ducat was introduced by the Republic of Venice in 1284 under the doge (duke) Giovanni Dandolo. The Venetian ducat featured the Doge kneeling before St. Mark on the obverse and Jesus on the reverse. Many different authorities, including dozens of German and Austrian states, produced ducats. The denomination was made until the early 20th century.
Multiples of the ducat were also produced.
Production of ducats as trade coins continued after the WWI. Even now some mints produce batches of ducats made after old patterns as bullion gold and banks sell these coins to private investors.
Ducat also had a successful football career, playing for Woolwich Arsenal (1905 – 1912), and then Aston Villa (1912 – 1921); in 1920 he captained Villa to an FA Cup win, and between 1910 and 1920 he won 6 caps for England.
Ducat was later cricket coach at Eton College and a sports reporter, before his sudden death.
Ducat was one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1920.
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