Thorn 1655-HL 2 ducats Fr-64a
This specimen was lot 32316 in Heritage sale 3081 (New York, January 2020), where it sold for $10,800. The catalog description[1] noted, "Poland: Thorn. Johann Casimir gold 2 Ducat 1655 AU Details (Plugged) PCGS, Thorn mint. Hans David Lauer as mintmaster. IOAN: CAS: D: G: REX POL: ET SVE: M: D: L: R: P:, crowned, mantled, and armored half-figure of Johann Casimir right / (triangle containing star) EX • AVRO • SOLIDO • CIVIT: THORVNENS: FIERI: F:, city view of Thorn, two cherubs on clouds supported city arms above; on shoreline below, 16HL55 (HL ligate). An admirable and fascinating type, struck with the same design and diameter as the 3 Ducat design but to a 2 Ducat weight standard, this issue being unrecorded in every reference which we consulted. Very rare thus, and struck on a broad flan with considerable detail and luster remaining after what admittedly must have been a very short time in circulation. Johann II was the last Polish ruler of the house of Vasa. A patron of the arts, he assembled a wonderful private collection which he took with him to France when he abdicated the throne in 1668."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 7 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 34 mm, 6.60 g.
Catalog reference: cf. KM 37 (3 Ducat), Fr-64 (same), Gum-Unl., HCz-2050 (R3; same), CNCT-1556var (R5; same).
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3081, featuring the Caranett Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2019.
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