Czechoslovakia 1951 10 dukatu
This specimen was lot 30015 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2022), where it sold for $132,000. The catalog description[1] noted, "CZECHOSLOVAKIA. 10 Ducats, 1951. Kremnica Mint. NGC MS-64. In close competition with the 1937 and 1938 issue of the same type for the title of RAREST of Czechoslovakian issues, this phenomenal piece is exemplary in nearly every regard. Nearly Gem, the surfaces alight with the soft glow of gold, and a light frostiness that is scarcely interrupted by contact or friction. Some very minor marks likely account for the grade, though this piece really does illustrate a premium for the grade example. Many die lines can be seen, highlighting how much care was taken to recreate the pre-war pieces. More marvel than coin, this brilliant stunner is certain to appeal to any collector of major RARITIES, as only the most advanced can claim that they own an example. From the Augustana Collection." This type was struck 1929-38 and 1951 along with a dukat, 2 dukaty and 5 dukatu. This type is rarely seen circulated, suggesting the hoarding of what few examples escaped government vaults. The obverse portrait is of "good" king Wenceslas, he of the well-known Christmas carol.
Recorded mintage: 100.
Specification: 34.9 g, 0.986 fine gold, 42 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Fr-4; KM-14; Novotny-54 (RRR).
- 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, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [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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