Danish West Indies 1740-CW 2 skilling
The first specimen was lot 33159 in Heritage sale 3094 (Chicago, August 2021), where it sold for $15,600. The catalog description[1] noted, "Danish West Indies. Christian VI 2 Skilling 1740 (h)-CW MS64 Red and Brown NGC, Copenhagen mint, An elusive West Indies issue that rarely appears in Mint State conditions, much less in so fine a technical designation. This fully struck representative easily conveys sharper appeal than the assigned grade suggests, with serene, slightly glossy surfaces that are free of any easily apparent instances of handling. A significant mint-red presence grips the devices, embellishing them with fiery luster to a degree that could hardly be expected of the typical 18th-century copper coin. The sole "Red and Brown" example designated by NGC to date, and one of only three in total (the other two both "Brown") seen by that grading service." The second specimen was lot 34552 in Heritage sale 3094 (Chicago, August 2021), where it sold for $6,000. The catalog description[1] noted, "Danish West Indies: Danish Colony. Christian VI 2 Skilling 1740 (h)-CW MS66 Brown NGC. A sensational offering that towers above the certified population of surviving examples for the type. This example may well be one of the finest representatives extant and features lilac-brown coloration and potent cartwheeling luster with fiery highlights gleaming from the legends. An ultra-refined, high-quality specimen, and one which will contribute significant prestige to its next owner's collection." This and the accompanying one skilling are the first coins issued by Denmark for its colony in the Caribbean. Both are rare.
Recorded mintage: 12,000.
Specification: copper.
Catalog reference: KM 3, Sieg-2, Hede-2.
- Byrne, Ray, Coins and Tokens of the Caribees, Decatur, IL: Jess Peters, Inc., 1975.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Siegs Møntcatalog 2016: Danmark med Omrader, 48 ed., Frederikssund, Siegs Forlag ApS, 2015.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, ANA WFOM World & Ancient Coins Platinum Night Signature Auction #3094, featuring the Cape Coral Collection, the WTR Collection and the Monaco Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
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