Czechoslovakia 1934 5 ducatu Fr-14
This specimen was lot 30041 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2022), where it sold for $28,800. The catalog description[1] noted, "Superb-Gem & Immensely Rare Medallic 5 Ducats, CZECHOSLOVAKIA. Gold Medallic 5 Ducats, 1934. Kremnica Mint. NGC MS-66. By: Anton Ham. Obverse: St. Catherine kneeling in prayer and supplication, mining equipment before her being illuminated by the glory of God from a radiant cloud; behind her, arms of Hungary-Anjou and flowering plant, all within hexagon; Reverse: Scenes of mining operations within a hexagon, further encircled by border of beads and legend. Garishly decorated in celebration of the reopening of the Kremnica Mines, an important symbol of Czechoslovakian pride and independence. This Gem offers a crisp strike and soft vibrant luster that perfectly complements the artful engraving. A piece that is EXCEEDINGLY RARE, with only 70 struck as originals, this piece checks nearly all the boxes for desirability, beauty, and elusiveness. A piece certain to command deserved attention, and a true pleasure to offer. From the Augustana Collection." During the brief existence of the first republic of Czechoslovakia (1918-39), the Kremnica mint managed to produce gold one dukat, two dukaty and five and ten dukatu issues featuring king Wenceslas. This commemorative is considered a non-circulating medal, altho the regular Wenceslas ducats didn't circulate either.
Recorded mintage: 70.
Specification: 17.45 g, 0.986 fine gold.
Catalog reference: Fr-14; KMX-20; Novotny-VI.B (RRRR).
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Unusual World Coins, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2011.
- 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.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The 2022 ANA Auction - Ancients & World Coins - Featuring The Salton Collection Part III, the Augustana Collection and the Robert C. Knepper Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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