Netherlands 1849 2-1/2 gulden Dav-236
This specimen was lot 30187 in Heritage sale 3089 (Dallas, TX, January 2021), where it sold for $19,200. The catalog description[1] noted, "Netherlands. Willem III Proof 2-1/2 Gulden 1849 PR66+ NGC, Utrecht mint. A simply stunning example of this rare Proof emission displaying an arrangement of color, toning, and light that might be considered the aesthetic ideal of what is possible from a Proof specimen. The fields, retaining a powerful underlying gloss, are layered in a silvery tone that explodes into fuchsia and gold in the obverse center, while elsewhere, pale touches of crimson, sky blue, and straw gold yield further reason for close inspection. A true delight to behold, and likely irreplaceable with such a high degree of combined technical and visual appeal. Ex. UBS Gold & Numismatics Auction 69 (January 2007, Lot 3068). From the Cape Coral Collection of European Crowns." This is the initial issue of a type struck for William III in large quantities. After the final issue of 1874, no 2½ gulden were issued until 1898. The 0.945 fine alloy seems to be unique to the Netherlands.
Recorded mintage: 439,307 (a better date) plus 1,582,927 for William II.
Specification: 28.08 g, 0.868 fine silver, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM 82, Dav-236, Schulman-575 (unlisted in Proof).
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Peters, T., J. Scheper and J. Mevius, Muntalmanak 2018, 35e editie, Amsterdam: Nederlandse vereniging van munthandelaren, 2017.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage Auction 3089: NYINC World & Ancient Coins Platinum & Signature Auction - Dallas, featuring the Cape Coral Collection of European Crowns and the Penn Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2020.
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