Lithuania 1666-TLB HKPL ducat Fr-9
This specimen was lot 24018 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $102,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Astonishingly Rare Lithuanian Ducat Seldom Seen at Auction, POLAND. Lithuania. Ducat, 1666-TLB HKPL. Vilnius Mint. John Casimir. PCGS AU-55. Obverse: Laureate bust of John Casimir right; further encircled by laurels; Reverse: Arms of Lithuania, the Vytis; above: crown; encircled by laurels. One of the most exciting offerings of this entire collection, this Ducat of John Casimir features a distinctively Lithuanian flair. This piece is somewhat less refined than one is accustomed to seeing on Polish gold from this era, with some roughness to the flan and a crudity to the engraving. All of this only adds to the charm that is already present in this example resultant from its RARITY. Almost no actual circulation is seen, and good luster is yet present on the flan. For completeness, we note that there appears to be metal movement on the edges, perhaps indicating past usage in jewelry. From the Anthony J. Taraszka Collection. Ex: Ahlstrom 62 (11/2000) Lot #1539."
The TLB is under the king's bust; the HKPL is the monogram under the charging horseman on the reverse. This type is accompanied by a half ducat (Fr-10).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.5 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 3.30 g.
Catalog reference: KM 56, Fr-9; H-Cz-5928 (R7); Kop-3631 (R7); Kur-822 (R8); Gum-1874.
- 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, The January 2023 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Taraszka Collection and the Mark and Dottie Salton Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
Link to:
- 1665 half ducat
- Thorn 1667-HDL 2 ducats Fr-59, Jan Casimir
- Livonia 1667-IM 2 ducats Fr-17, Charles XI of Sweden
- Coins and currency dated 1666