Hungary 1639-NB 10 ducats Fr-115
This specimen was lot 32095 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2025), where it sold for $192,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Magnificent Hungarian 10 Ducat in Near-Gem Quality, HUNGARY. 10 Ducats, 1639-NB. Nagybanya Mint. Ferdinand III. NGC MS-64+. The only certified example of the type on either the NGC or PCGS population reports. This beautifully preserved and wholly original looking near-Gem large-size gold coin exhibits boldly struck intricate devices with smooth surfaces. Light attractive pale orange tone hugs the design features in contrast to the pale gold coloration of the exposed areas. The frostiness of the expressive portrait and crowned arms are accentuated when rotated in the light as the luster highlights the well-formed devices. Truly a magnificent representative of the type that has been given great care and is certain to pique the interest of many quality conscious collectors. Seldom do items of this quality and magnitude come to market and as such should be considered EXTREMELY RARE, highly desirable and heavily sought after, especially so in this elite state of preservation."
This was issued by Ferdinand in his capacity as king of Hungary. Georg Rakoczi, prince of Transylvania and contender for the throne of Hungary, also issued a ten ducats in 1639 (KM 232.3). In 1639, both lands were still dominated by the Turks.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 34.9 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 34.69 g.
Catalog reference: Fr-115; KM-121; Huszar-1213; U-292.
- 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.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, January 2025 NYINC Showcase Auction, featuring the Richard Margolis Collection, Part III, and the Richard August Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
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