Danzig 1548 ducat Fr-1
This specimen was lot 24002 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $192,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Rare Sigismund I Danzig Ducat, POLAND. Danzig. Ducat, 1548. Danzig Mint. Sigismund I. NGC AU-58. Obverse: Crowned bust of Sigismund I right; Reverse: Arms of Danzig. A RARITY almost beyond comprehension, with Kopicki estimating a population of 4-6 extant examples yet surviving. The gold Ducat issues of Sigismund I were the first Ducat coinage to arise from Danzig, which would later become famous for its large and often garish donative multiple Ducats.
This example is rather well struck, with a strong allotment of details on both obverse and reverse. Gleaming luster dances artfully from the devices, touching the eyes and adding to the general appeal of this Ducat. Essentially no evidence of wear is spotted on the surfaces, further increasing the charm of the present example. A piece that unites historical importance and beauty of condition, we expect no shortage of bids to spring forth from those seeking to add this Ducat to their numismatic cabinet. From the Anthony J. Taraszka Collection. Ex: HANSEATISCHE BRIEFMARKENAUKTIONEN OHG (04/2003) Lot #3."
Friedberg lists this type for 1546-50 but all dates are rare.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.5 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 3.46 g.
Catalog reference: Fr-1; H-Cz-Unlisted; Kop-7344 (R7); Kur-546; Gum-661.
- 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 January 2023 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Taraszka Collection and the Mark and Dottie Salton Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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