Munsterberg-Oels 1528-NB ducat Fr-3228
This specimen was lot 1095 in Sincona sale 90 (Zürich, May 2024), where it sold for 9,500 CHF (about US$12,553 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"DEUTSCHLAND Schlesien-Münsterberg-Oels, Herzogtum, Karl I. 1498-1536. Dukat 1528, Reichenstein. Ausbeute der Reichensteiner Gruben. Münzmeister Nicolaus von Burghaus. Selten. Vorzüglich-FDC. Prachtvolle Erhaltung. Exemplar der Preussag Collection, Auktion London Coin Galleries 1, London, Oktober 2015, Los 432. Exemplar der Auktion Schweizerischer Bankverein 13, Basel, Januar 1984, Los 567. (Germany, duchy of Münsterberg-Oels, Charles I, 1498-1536, ducat of 1528, Reichenstein mint, for the mines. Rare, Extremely fine-uncirculated, Magnificent condition.)"
The duchy is located in Silesia and fell to the Hapsburgs in 1647 on the extinction of the line. Frederick the Great of Prussia seized Silesia in the 1740's but it is now part of Poland. This type is listed for 1520-22, 1526-36. Silver mining thalers exist in many varieties but gold mining ducats are unusual.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.49 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 3.54 g.
Catalog reference: KM-MB19, F.u.S. 2074, Müseler 57.1/14, Fr-3228.
- Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
- 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.
- Nicol, N. Douglas, Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of German Coins, 1501-Present, 3rd ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2011.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 90, Münzen und Medaillen der Welt, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.
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