Turkey AH 1171(9) 2 zolota
This specimen was lot 33915 in Heritage sale 3064 (Chicago, April 2018), where it sold for $180. The catalog description[1] noted, "Mustafa III 2 Zolota AH 1171 Year 9 (1766/7) MS63 NGC, Islambul mint. Rarely is such an ideal canvas presented for the display of gorgeous luster and crisp details as on these majestic 2 Zolota issues. The upper portion of the obverse rim displays rich amber tones which are similarly caught along the vertical stroke of the word al-Birrin at the beginning of the reverse legend. Some light pitting, typical for the type, is scattered across the fields, but does little to diminish the overall beauty of this splendid coin." Turkish issues before the reform of 1839 are a mess of constantly changing denominations as the government attempted to debase its way out of perpetual bankruptcy. This type was struck during years 1-9 of Mustafa's reign. It is not listed as expensive but is very difficult to find nice; this example is above average but is still weakly struck with questionable color.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 27.7-30.1 g, billon.
Catalog reference: Dav-1809, KM 324.1.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Uslu, Kaan, Beyazit, M. Fatih, and Kara, Tuncay, Ottoman Empire Coins 1687-1839 (AH 1099-1255), Istanbul: Anka Matbaacilik, 2010.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1700-1800, 2nd Ed. London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach and Warren Tucker, Heritage World Coin Auction 3064, featuring the Doug Robins Collection of Canadian Tokens, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2018.
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