Hungary 1637-KB 5 ducats Fr-93
This specimen was lot 30345 in Heritage auction 3096 (Dallas, TX, March 2021), where it sold for $288,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Spectacular Mint State Ferdinand II 5 Ducat. Hungary: Ferdinand II gold 5 Ducat 1637/6-KB MS63+ NGC, Kremnitz mint. An extraordinarily rare multiple ducat of exceptionally fine engraving style, struck on dies used for the 1/2 Thaler (KM 73) issue. The obverse features the armored bust of Ferdinand with an extravagant ruffled collar, and the reverse a double-headed eagle with the shields of arms of Bohemia and Hungary at its breast. While many large gold types of this era depict heavy cleaning and mistreatment, the present piece is admirably free of such flaws and positively beaming with bright luster. The strike is bold and full, and the angles of the devices shine with watery golden brilliance that readily charms the eye. Of extreme rarity, this being the sole specimen certified by either PCGS or NGC, and almost certainly the finest survivor of the type; it is difficult to imagine an example that could surpass the present piece in terms of overall quality. Ex. Künker Auction 80 (March 2003, Lot 889). From the Paramount Collection."
This type was also struck in 1634.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 17.5 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 17.43 g.
Catalog reference: KM-A105, Fr-93, Herinek-1157, Husz-Unl., Unger-883.
- 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.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano and Warren Tucker, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3096, featuring the Paramount Collection of World & Ancient Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
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