Munster 1641 ducat Fr-1766
This specimen was lot 2237 in Sincona sale 87 (Zürich, October 2023), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"DEUTSCHLAND Münster, Bistum, Ferdinand von Bayern, 1612-1650. Dukat 1641, Münster. Münzmeisterzeichen Vogel. Sehr selten. Sehr schön-vorzüglich. Kleine Kratzer. (Germany, bishopric of Munster, Ferdinand of Bavaria, 1612-50, ducat of 1641, Munster mint, bird privy mark. Very rare, Very fine-extremely fine, Small scratches.)"
We attribute this to KM 23, struck 1638-41, because this example matches the photo therein. However, there is also KM 33, struck 1640-41 and 1647, which lacks a photo but has the same description. There is also KM 38, a double schilling, and KM 39, a triple ducat, for 1641. Ferdinand of Bavaria was a committed pluralist, being also archbishop of Cologne and bishop of Liege, Paderborn and Hildesheim despite never being ordained.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.50 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 3.44 g.
Catalog reference: KM 23, Schulze 40, Fr-1766.
- 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]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 87, World Coins and Medals, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2023.
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