Denmark 1769-HSK 1/2 speciedaler
The first specimen was lot 30170 in Heritage sale 3097 (New York, January 2022), where it sold for $5,880. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Denmark: Christian VII 1/2 Speciedaler 1769-HSK MS66 PCGS, Rethwisch mint. Variety without denomination on obverse. An absolutely stunning survivor from this extremely elusive and short-lived mint in Schleswig-Holstein, which only operated between 1768 and 1769 as a branch of the royal mint in Copenhagen. Embellished throughout in sleek, icy-white color, the offering appears resoundingly mint-fresh from all angles, a generous degree of lightly stippled mint frost further imbuing the raised elements with an especially chiseled appearance. Confined mainly to the obverse, notes of subdued plum tone heighten the coin's visual presence yet further, nicely contouring Christian's monogram and igniting to iridescent shades when caught by plentiful cartwheel luster. Notably the first example of this type we have ever handled, and very likely among the finest that has emerged on the market in many years. Ex. Bruun Rasmussen Auction 840 (May 2013, Lot 159)."
The second specimen was lot 43071 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2026), where it did not sell. The catalog description[2] noted, "DENMARK. 1/2 Speciedaler, 1769. Rethwisch Mint. Christian VII. NGC Unc Details--Cleaned. An attractive issue with some attractive toning in the protected areas. Despite the noted issue, this piece is rather charming." Danish currency endured several "reforms" in the nineteenth century. Until 1813, 1 ducat = 2 speciedaler = 12 mark = 192 skilling Danske. After the reform of 1813, 1 frederiks d'or = 5 speciedaler = 10 rigsbankdaler = 960 rigsbankskilling. In 1854, the speciedaler was dropped but the remaining denominations were unchanged. In 1874, all the old denominations were terminated in favor of 1 krone = 100 øre, which system is still in use, tho the krone is no longer silver. This type is listed for 1769 only and is rare as stated. It was accompanied by a quarter speciedaler (KM 604) and single speciedaler (KM 603, KM 607, KM 608).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 14.45 g, 0.875 fine silver, the first specimen 31 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 605, Schou-10, Hede-9B, Schou-32. The second specimen is KM-606; Hede-9A; Sieg-33.
- 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, NYINC World Coins Platinum Night Auction 3097, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
- [2]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, January 2026 NYINC Showcase Auction, Ancient and World Coins, featuring the Kazmier Wysocki Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2025.
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