Munsterberg-Oels 1539-IB ducat Fr-3230
This specimen was lot 1097 in Sincona sale 90 (Zürich, May 2024), where it sold for 13,000 CHF (about US$17,178 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"DEUTSCHLAND Schlesien-Münsterberg-Oels, Herzogtum, Joachim, Heinrich II., Johann und Georg III., 1536-1558. Dukat 1539, Reichenstein. Ausbeute der Reichensteiner Gruben. Mit dem Münzmeisterzeichen I-B (unbekannter Münzmeister). Selten. Vorzüglich-FDC. Prachtvolle Erhaltung. Exemplar der Preussag Collection, Auktion London Coin Galleries 1, London, Oktober 2015, Los 438. Aus dem Lager der Giessener Münzhandlung vom 6.9.1977. (Germany, duchy of Münsterberg-Oels, Joachim, Henry II, John and George III, 1536-58, ducat of 1539, 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 1537-53. This date comes with or without the mintmaster's initials IB. 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 3.53 g.
Catalog reference: KM-MB29, F.u.S. 2086, Müseler 57.1/25, Fr-3230.
- 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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