Denmark 1864-RH 2 rigsdaler Dav-79
This specimen was lot 195 in Classical Numismatic Group's sale of the Lissner Collection (Chicago, August 2014), where it sold for $15,730. The catalog description[1] noted, "DENMARK. Christian IX. 1863-1906. Specimen AR 2 Rigsdaler. København (Copenhagen) mint. Rasmus Heinerup, mintmaster. Harald Conradsen, engraver. Dated 1864 HC RH. In NGC encapsulation graded SP 66. Gem Specimen proof with moderate iridescent toning in hues of gold, deep blue, and honey. Absolute gem. Highest and only specimen ever graded. Purchased from F. S. Werner, March 1972. Though the Danish government states that no proofs were struck during this period, several 'specimen' examples like the present piece are known." Danish currency endured several "reforms" in the nineteenth century. After the reform of 1854, the monetary system was 96 skillings = 1 rigsdaler, 2 rigsdaler = 1 (old) speciedaler. This type is listed for 1864, 1868 and 1871-72. The initials "RH" stood for mintmaster Petr Rasmus Hinnerup. In 1874, the coinage was reformed again to the current system of 100 øre = one krone.
Recorded mintage: 237,000.
Specification: 28.89 g, 0.875 fine silver, this specimen 38 mm diameter, 28.94 g, 12h axis.
Catalog reference: KM 772.1; Dav-79.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- [1]Teller, M. Louis, and Victor England, Jr., The Richard Lissner Collection, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, 2014.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Siegs Møntcatalog 2016: Danmark med Omrader, 48 ed., Frederikssund, Siegs Forlag ApS, 2015.
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