ST. URBAIN, Ferdinand de: Lorraine, ca. 1720, Bronze, 47 mm
Obv: A lion standing with a scepter in his mouth.   E. FORTI. FORTITVDO.
Rev: GERARDVS. II. SARRAGOVIAE COMES FILIVS ADALBERTI. ARMIS POTENS ET STRENVVS. GISELAM FRIDERICI. II. COMITIS LVXEMBVRG. FILIAM CONRADI SALICI IMPERATORIS NEPOTEM DVXIT VXOREM. ET OBIIT ANNO. MXXXXVI. QVI GERARDI ALSATII PRIMI DVCIS HEREDITARII LOTHARINGIAE FVIT PATER.
Ref: From the Series of the Dukes and Duchesses of Lorraine. Forrer V, p.310 #22; Mirnik #5;  Weiss BW747

Gerard IV, Duke of Alsace (1030–1070) was the second son of Gerard de Bouzonville, count of Metz, and Gisela, possibly a daughter of Thierry I, Duke of Upper Lorraine. He was the count of Metz and Chatenois from 1047/1048, when his brother Duke Adalbert resigned them to him on becoming the Duke of Upper Lorraine. On Adalbert's death the next year, Gerard became duke and was so until his death.

In 1053, Gerard and Prince Rudolf of Benevento led papal and Swabian troops into battle on behalf of Pope Leo. This was the Battle of Civitate and it was a disastrous loss for the pope. His enemy, the Normans defeated his allies and captured Gerard, taking him prisoner.

Noteworthy among his construction projects, was that of the castle of Prény, in the center of the duchy, which formed the beginnings of the capital city, Nancy.

Gerard was married to Hedwige of Namur (or of Flanders), daughter of Albert I, Count of Namur, and Ermengarde, daughter of Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine. One of the children of this marraige was Thierry II (c.1055-1115), who succeeded him as Duke of Lorraine.

Gerard is considered to be the progenitor the line of dukes which ruled Lorraine until 1755.