Bavaria 1598 8 ducats Fr-187
This specimen was lot 30203 in Heritage auction 3096 (Dallas, TX, March 2021), where it sold for $156,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Mint State 16th-Century 8 Ducat Struck in High Relief. German States: Bavaria. Maximilian I gold Medallic 8 Ducat 1598 MS62+ NGC, Munich mint, Full-length standing armored figure of Saint Heinrich holding orb and scepter, SANCTVS • HENRICVS • ROM: IMPERATOR • BAVAR: DVX / Arms of Bavaria and Pfalz divide date, electoral hat above, MAXIMILIANVS: DEI: G: CO: PAL: RHE: VTR: BAVA: DVX •. Issued in a very small quantity upon Maximilian's homage as Prince-Elector of Bavaria (a common part of the coronation ceremony). Struck in high relief, the design of the present coin exhibits absolutely no weakness, appearing admirably well-centered, with the entirety of the beaded rim placed well within the outer borders of the planchet. Produced within the early stages of mechanized coin production in central Europe--first conceived in Augsburg around 1550 and the roller press permanently adopted by the Hall mint in 1567--this offering serves as an embodiment of this new, incredible technology, and Maximilian's use of milling techniques to produce the first emissions of his reign was simply ingenious.
Closer review of this specimen confirms its elegant appearance and bold technical display. The high-level of production has resulted in an overall finish that is quite medallic in nature, and very much reminiscent of pieces struck a century or so later. The condition is incomparable--the fields free of the damage, mishandling, or evidence of cleaning that so often plagues gold issues of this age, while the entirety of the flan shines with resplendent green-gold luster.
While type collectors of Bavarian coinage will be much more familiar with the issues of Maximilian from his famed full-length figure/city view 5 Ducats, this issue is available far less frequently. The Wittelsbach catalog recorded only a single gold example in a royal collection. For comparison, the last representative of this type that we have been able to locate, certified MS62 by NGC, achieved $140,000 in October 2018. A truly breathtaking piece, and worthy of close inspection in hand. Ex. Künker Auction 91 (March 2004, Lot 7894). From the Paramount Collection."
Altho this duke ruled for over half a century, Maximilian issued few gold coins. This eight ducats is accompanied by a four ducats (Fr-188), also rare.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 28 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 27.80 g.
Catalog reference: KM-MB135, Fr-187, Wittelsbach-775, Hahn-Unl.
- 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.
- Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano and Warren Tucker, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3096, featuring the Paramount Collection of World & Ancient Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
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