Frankfurt 1710-IF 2 ducats Fr-986
This specimen was lot 24006 in Heritage sale 3024 (Chicago, April 2013), where it sold for $4,993.75. The catalog description[1] noted, "Frankfurt. Free City gold 2 Ducat 1710, AU58 NGC, a very scarce type possessed of an exacting strike with flashy surfaces. Known as 'Storm-ducats,' the reverse of both the single and double ducat denominations of this type provide a very literal illustration of the legend. It is a part of a verse from Proverbs, 'Nomen Domini Turris Fortissima' (The name of our Lord is a mighty tower) and was often utilized on coinage of Frankfurt to remind the citizens of the political and religious storms they had collectively weathered." Two types of double ducats are noted for 1710, the other (Fr-985) a storm blasting a town. Both are rare.
Recorded mintage: unknown but scarce.
Specification: 7 g, 0.986 fine gold, .221 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: Fr-986, KM 173.
- 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.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3024, featuring the Kairos and Elizabeth McPhall Charters Collections, Dallas: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2013.
Link to: