Denmark-Gluckstadt 1646 ducat
This specimen was lot 33136 in Heritage sale 3135 (Pittsburgh, September 2026), where it sold for $115,900. The catalog description[1] noted, "Denmark: Harvest-Toned Danish Rarity. Christian IV gold Ducat 1646/5 MS61 NGC, Glückstadt mint. Mintmaster: Jacob Schwieger. Another fabulous rarity from the Bruun collection, perhaps unique, and decidedly beautiful. Boldly projecting the Hebrew Tetragrammaton on the reverse, the coin is steeped in the age of the religiously fueled Thirty Years' War. Adding further appeal is the clear overdate, where the outline of the "5" remains plainly visible. Sharply struck and lustrous, this jewel will shine like a light even in the most advanced of gold cabinets. Ex. L. E. Bruun Collection (Stack's Bowers, March 2025, Lot 13119)." This type was struck at Copenhagen 1644-48 with an axe mintmark, along with quarter, half and double ducats. The SCWC says this product of the Glűckstadt mint (cross axes mintmark) is unique. The reverse inscription, JUSTUS / Jehovah / JUDEX ("the Lord is a righteous judge") in partly Hebrew letters, which the Danish king used to protest against the breach of peace and the invasion of the Swedes. Denmark lost the Torstenson War and had to cede Jämtland, Härjedalen, Idre, Särna, the Baltic Sea islands of Gotland and Ösel, and the province of Halland to Sweden.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.49 g, 0.979 fine gold, 24 mm diameter, this specimen 3.48 g.
Catalog reference: KM 36, Fr-Unl, Hede-154, Bruun-5798.
- 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.
- Siegs Møntcatalog 2016: Danmark med Omrader, 48 ed., Frederikssund, Siegs Forlag ApS, 2015.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2026 September 1 - 5 ANA World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature® Auction #3135, featuring The Vila Rica Collection of Brazilian Gold Coins, Part II, and The Grundy Collection of Latin American and Spanish Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2026.
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