Brandenburg 1679 5 ducats
This specimen was lot 30209 in Heritage auction 3096 (Dallas, TX, March 2021), where it sold for $72,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Highly Elusive "Great Elector" 5 Ducat. German States: Brandenburg. Friedrich Wilhelm gold 5 Ducat 1679 AU58 NGC, Berlin mint. Christoph Stricker (?) as mintmaster. A formidable rarity struck during the rule of the "Great Elector," Friedrich Wilhelm. Known as the driver of reform and transformation within the electorate, which would ultimately become the European power known more simply as Prussia (named after the Polish duchy held by the electors of Brandenburg), Friedrich's rule initiated an extended period of growth in both influence and power for the previously inconsequential entity. Prussia's military prowess soon became renowned throughout Europe, leading Voltaire to claim that, 'While most states have an army, the Prussian army has a state.'
This nearly uncirculated 5 Ducat is an incredibly elusive rarity of the series, struck in the last decade of Friedrich Wilhem's reign as Elector of Brandenburg and Duke of Prussia. Both Bahrfeldt and the Standard Catalog of World Coins note that the dies employed are the same as those used in the striking of taler type KM 490. However, while very similar, we note that the reverse dies are in fact different. The details in the ornate shield design of this piece vary in both style and size, on the whole being larger than those of the taler issue of the same date. Further, the top lettering varies in shape and proportion, and the initials "CS," located on the flanks of the taler reverse, are absent from this design. The combined rarity and visual appeal of the selection is undeniable. Toned to an antique gold, the surfaces display commendable detail and reveal glistening luster throughout the fields. Bahrfeldt records just two specimens in his 1913 Das Münzwesen der Mark Brandenburg: one in the Berlin Coin Cabinet and the piece described by Arnim.
One cannot afford to be overly selective with respect to quality when it comes to the highest tiers of rarity, owing to a lack of available options. However, in this case, no such compromise is necessary--no marks or contact are noted throughout that would even be remotely worthy of mention. For the specialized collector of German States and Brandenburg-Prussian coinage, a singular opportunity. From the Paramount Collection."
In 1679, Friedrich Wilhelm was only Elector of Brandenburg; his son Friedrich III was not granted the title of King of Prussia until 1701. This rare piece was struck using thaler dies (Dav-6208).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 17.5 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 17.33 g.
Catalog reference: KM 493, Fr-Unl., Marienburg-Unl, Henckel Collection-Unl., Belli Collection-Unl., Reimmann-Unl., Wilmersdörffer-Unl., Bahrfeldt-18.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- 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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