Montenegro 1910 100 perpera Fr-1
This specimen was lot 30416 in Heritage auction 3096 (Dallas, TX, March 2021), where it sold for $114,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Elite Gem Nicholas I Proof 100 Perpera. Montenegro: Nicholas I gold Proof "Bare Head" 100 Perpera 1910 PR65+ Ultra Cameo NGC, Vienna mint. Proof mintage: 25. Bare Head, Facing Right. A stunning gem example of this very rare Proof issue, with a total issuance of only 25 specimens, according to the Standard Catalog of World Coins. Given this incredibly low figure, it is perhaps of no surprise that this laudable gem ranks as the absolute finest seen across both NGC and PCGS, the next-finest grade in the combined censuses achieved by a single "PR65" specimen. A full cameo effect is noted owing to a heavy coating of golden frost over the raised features, resulting in a delightfully silky texture that is almost entirely undisturbed by any signs of handling. A turn of the wrist reveals a bright reflectivity residing in the fields, unleashing a sleek and nearly pristine flashiness that proves wholly uncommon for this already very elusive issue. This elite coin is bound to confer significant bragging rights to its future owner, and we do not doubt that it will be met with spirited bidding by collectors vying for the finest certified selection of this great 20th-century rarity. From the Paramount Collection."
The prince (now king) of Montenegro issued a complete set of gold denominations in 1910 to celebrate his coronation as king.
Recorded mintage: 301 plus 25 proofs .
Specification: 33.88 g, 0.900 fine gold.
Catalog reference: KM 12, Fr-1.
- 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, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, The Paramount Collection World & Ancient Coins: Signature Auction 3096, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
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