Trier (1354-62) goldgulden Fr-3392
This specimen was lot 938 in Jean Elsen sale 146 (Brussels, November 2020), where it sold for €2,800 (about US$4,081 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ALLEMAGNE, TREVES, Archevêché, Boemund II von Warsberg (1354-1362), AV florin d'or au type florentin, Coblence. D/ BOEND'- AREPVS Grande fleur de lis. R/ ·S· IOHANNES· B (aigle éployée) Saint Jean Baptiste deb. de f., bénissant et ten. un sceptre cr. Très rare Au droit, éraflure à 3h. Très Beau à Superbe. (Germany, archbishopric of Trier, Bohemund II of Warsberg (1354-62), gold florin of Florentine type, Coblenz mint. Obverse: large Florentine lily; reverse: St. John the Baptist standing, facing, bearing a scepter. Very rare, obverse flaw, Very Fine - Extremely 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 archbishop of Trier, is the first 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 3,49 g.
Catalog reference: Noss, Trier, 33; Felke 46 var.; Fr-3392.
- 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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