Basel (1775) ducat Fr-45
The first specimen was lot 32270 in Heritage sale 3076 (Long Beach, CA, September 2019), where it sold for $2,640. The catalog description[1] noted, "Switzerland: Basel. City gold Ducat ND (c. 1775) MS62 NGC. A superlative Ducat with almost prooflike reflectivity in the fields behind the crisp and dynamic obverse Basilisk. Aside from its sharpness and technical quality, the eye appeal of this piece has been bolstered further through an iridescent peach tone illuminating the planchet; seldom offered in any grade, and almost unseen so fine as this. From the Allen Moretti Swiss Collection." The second specimen was lot 32269 in same sale, where it sold for $3,600. The catalog description[1] noted, "Switzerland: Basel. City gold Ducat ND (1750-1780) MS62 NGC, Light, original toning and full mint brilliance. A highly interesting type with strong details. Similar to the listings in the Standard Catalog of World Coins but with NOVUS added to the reverse legend. A choice piece and rare in mint state. From the Allen Moretti Swiss Collection." The mythical creature on the obverse is a basilisk. All the ducats of Basel are scarce to rare, including this one, tho it is slightly less rare than Fr-48 of 1780.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.5 g, 0.986 fine gold.
Catalog reference: KM 173, Fr-45.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano and Warren Tucker, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3076, featuring the Allen Moretti Swiss Collection and the James Mossman Collection of Canadian Coinage, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2019.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Richter, Jürg, and Ruedi Kunzmann, Neuer HMZ-Katalog, Band 2: Die Münzen der Schweiz und Liechtensteins 15//16. Jahrhundert bis Gegenwart, Regenstauf, Germany: H. Gietl Verlag GmbH, 2006.
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