Silesia-Schweidnitz (1328-68) goldgulden Fr-3265
This specimen was lot 935 in Jean Elsen sale 146 (Brussels, November 2020), where it sold for €1,700 (about US$2,477 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ALLEMAGNE, SILESIE, SCHWEIDNITZ et JAUER, Bolko II von Münsterberg (1326-1368), AV florin d'or au type florentin. D/ BOLCO- DVX· SILE Grande fleur de lis. R/ ·S· IOHA-NNES· B (heaume) Saint Jean-Baptiste deb. de f., bénissant et ten. un sceptre cr. Rare Trace de pliure. Très Beau. (Germany, duchy of Schweidnitz and Jauer, Bolko II von Münsterberg, gold florin of the Florentine type. Obverse: large Florentine lily; reverse: St. John the Baptist standing, facing, bearing a scepter. Rare, trace of a crease, Very Fine.)"
The appearance of the Florentine florin in the thirteenth century, as trade revived, led to many imitations all over Europe. This one, from the duke of Silesia-Schweidnitz, is the only gold coin from that state. Later, the florin (= goldgulden) declined in weight and fineness and the Venetian ducat became the standard gold coin.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.50 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 3,48 g.
Catalog reference: Friedensburg 701; Fr-3265.
- 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.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 146: Collection Anthony Lorrain Monnaies de Metz, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
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