Bavaria 1872-D 20 mark
This specimen was lot 33642 in Heritage sale 3106 (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $2,640. The catalog description[1] noted, "German States: Bavaria. Ludwig II gold 20 Mark 1872-D MS65 NGC, Munich mint. Sharply defined devices are backlit by glassy fields of marigold mint luster on this stunning exemplary specimen. Tied for second-finest certified by NGC, and no finer examples seen at PCGS." This type is noted for 1872-73, after which the reverse was modified (KM 900). King Ludwig II ruled until 1886, when he was deposed in favor of his brother. Disliked for his extravagance and his homosexuality, he died soon after under very mysterious circumstances.
Recorded mintage: 1,556,000 plus proofs.
Specification: 7.96 g, 0.900 fine gold.
Catalog reference: J. 194, Fr-3762, KM 894 (formerly KM 501).
- 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.
- Jaeger, Kurt, Die Deutschen Münzen seit 1871, Basel: Münzen und Medaillen AG, 1982.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2023 January 17 - 18 NYINC World & Ancient Coins Signature Auction #3106, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2022.
Link to: