Mainz (1385-86) ducat Fr-1607
This specimen was lot 30076 in Heritage sale 3029 (New York, January 2014), where it sold for $4,406.25. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Interesting Issue from the Udenheim Mint Mainz-Archbishopric. Adolph I von Nassau (1373-90) Goldgulden 1385-86, Udenheim Mint, AU55 NGC. ΛDOLVS ΛR | ЄPIS MΛGИ, St. John standing facing with right hand raised, a scepter in his left hand / • MOnЄ • | • TΛ VTЄ • | • nhЄM •, arms of Mainz in trilobe with arms of Saarwerden, Minzenberg, and Pfalz-Bayern surrounding. The surfaces of this very scarce coin are lightly toned with a couple of tiny deposits. While there are touches of weakness and possible die wear throughout, the devices and legends are sharp overall. Udenheim was a possession of the Bishop of Speyer, which came to Mainz along with Adolph when he was elevated from Speyer to the archbishopric. Although Adolph was elected archbishop in 1373, his confirmation was denied by Pope Gregory XI at the behest of Emperor Charles IV. The resulting Schism of Mainz would expand into the Western Schism (1378-1418). Johann I and Louis of Meissen were appointed after Adolph's election, delaying his confirmation by Antipope Clement VII until 1379."
This archbishop issued ducats from Bingen, Hochst, Udenheim, Lorch and Oberlahnstein, of which the Bingen issues are the most available.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.5 g, 0.986 fine gold, .110 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: Fr-1607.
- 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Stuart Levine and Bruce Lorich, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3029, featuring Selections from the Eric P. Newman Collection, Part III, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2013.
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