Russia 1753 ducat Fr-111
This specimen was lot 3322 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2017), where it sold for $64,625. The catalog description[1] noted, "Ducat, 1753-OE BP 5. Elizabeth (1740-60). PCGS AU-58 Secure Holder. VERY RARE St. Andrew style Ducat which has somehow survived in an exceptionally nice state. Struck on a flan with a slight wave in center making for some central elements not in their highest possible relief but they are nonetheless complete and present. A few light adjustment marks are found on nape of neck and the usual light bag marks are found in the fields but otherwise nearly untouched with sharp detail present in bodice and no loss of detail or flattening. Toned a pleasing orange peel in the peripheries and on devices with some hints of original luster beneath. So very close to being uncirculated and a very desirable piece which becomes available to collectors all too infrequently. the finest certified example. Ex: Stack's Sale March 4-5, 1988, Lot #1463." The Russian regime minted ducats on numerous occasions during the eighteenth century but always in small quantities. Survivors are today very rare.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.47 g, 0.986 fine gold.
Catalog reference: Fr-111; C-31.1; Bit-40; Dia-283; Sev-173.
- 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.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Harris, Robert P., Guidebook of Russian Coins, 1725 to 1970, Santa Cruz, CA: Bonanza Press, 1971.
- Bitkin, Vladimir, Composite Catalogue of Russian Coins, Part II (1740-1917), Kiev: Moneta, 2003.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, The January 2017 NYINC Sale: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Richard Stuart Collection, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2016.
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