Netherlands East Indies 1739 ducaton KM-71
The first specimen was lot 32309 in Heritage sale 3081 (New York, January 2020), where it sold for $36,000. The catalog description[1] noted, "Netherlands East Indies: Mint State Silver Rider. Dutch Colony. United East India Company Ducaton (Silver Rider) 1739 MS62 NGC, Dordrecht mint. Reeded edge. Holland issue. A truly breathtaking trade specimen and one of the most celebrated United East India Company issues, famed for its incredibly intricacy of engraving detail, large size and overall medallic appearance. This offering admirably represents the type, offering true Mint State appeal with perfectly rendered devices, every minute element fully represented and scarcely touched since striking; the planchet has developed an appealing gunmetal gray color in the fields, darkening to a charcoal ring at the peripheries, touched by just a tinge of golden tone. The last of this type we handled was an inferior AU58 which realized $19,200 at our January 2019 sale, and we have no doubts that this stunning Silver Rider will attract even more attention from the many collectors appreciative of its beauty." The second specimen was lot 34112 in Heritage sale 3106 (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $20,400. The catalog description[2] noted, "Netherlands East Indies: Dutch Colony. United East India Company Ducaton (Silver Rider) 1739 AU Details (Cleaned) PCGS, Dordrecht mint. Reeded edge. Holland issue. A spectacular and seldom-seen specimen from one of the most celebrated United East India Company issues. Seemingly cleaned and retoned to a pleasing slate patina, though surprisingly absent any of the expected hairlines that normally accompany the designation. Certain to pique the interest of the price-conscious type collector." This type was struck in Holland in silver 1728-33, 1738-41 and in gold 1728-33. The provinces of Westfriesland (KM 130.1, KM 133), Zeeland (KM 151), Gelderland (KM 51) and Utrecht (KM 110.1 and KM 110.2) also contributed. Several provinces were already striking ducatons for local use in the 1730's; we don't know why a special issue for the VOC was felt necessary.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 32.78 g, 0.941 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM 71, Dav-417, Scholten-28b (RR).
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- van der Wis, Jan, and Tom Passon, Catalogus van de Nederlandse Munten geslagen sind bet aantreden van Philips II tot aan het einde van de Bataafse Republiek (1555-1806), 2nd ed., Apeldoorn, Netherlands: Omni-Trading b.v., 2009.
- Passon, Tom, Catalogus van de Munten van de Nederlandse Gebieden Overzee, vanaf 1601 tot heden, Apeldoorn, Netherlands, 2022.
- Scholten, C., The Coins of the Dutch Overseas Territories, 1601-1948, Amsterdam: Jacques Schulman, 1953.
- [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.
- [2]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2023 January 17 - 18 NYINC World & Ancient Coins Signature Auction #3106, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2022.
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