Munsterberg-Oels 1538-NB ducat Fr-3230
This specimen was lot 30697 in Heritage sale 3081 (New York, January 2020), where it sold for $19,200. The catalog description[1] noted, "German States: Silesia-Münsterberg-Öls. Joachim, Heinrich II, Johann, & Georg gold Ducat 1538 MS66 Prooflike NGC. A stunning gem example of this early ducat type displaying uniformly struck detailing and aurous luster that glistens across Prooflike surfaces. It is difficult to imagine locating a finer representative of this highly elusive issue. Ex. Terner Collection. From the Caranett Collection." The duchy is located in Silesia and fell to the Hapsburgs in 1647 on the extinction of the line. This ducat was issued 1537-53. Frederick the Great of Prussia seized Silesia in the 1740's but it is now part of Poland. Silver mining thalers exist in many varieties but gold mining ducats are unusual.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.49 g, 0.986 fine gold, .110 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: KM MB29, Fr-3230, Schulten-2360, Saurma-Jeltsch-Plate XXVI, 14.
- 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3081, featuring the Caranett Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2019.
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