Zurich 1720 5 ducats Fr-479

Sincona sale 70, lot 3669

This specimen was lot 3669 in Sincona sale 70 (Zürich, May 2021), where it sold for 155,000 CHF (about US$205,716 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"SWITZERLAND | Zurich | Stadt und Kanton. 5 Dukaten 1720, Zürich. Goldabschlag des Halbtalers. Nach links schreitender Löwe mit Zürcher Stadtwappen. Auf dem Bodenabschnitt die eingepunzte Wertangabe 5. Rv. Stadtansicht vom See her. Unten in einer kleinen Kartusche die Jahreszahl. Glatter Rand. Von grösster Seltenheit. NGC MS62. Prachtvolle Erhaltung. (Switzerland, canton of Zurich, five ducats of 1720, Zurich mint, struck using half thaler dies. Obverse: lion rampant left supports the city arms, denomination punched into exergue; reverse: city view along the river, date in cartouche. Of the highest rarity, uncirculated, Magnificent condition.)"

This rare type was struck again in 1724 and 1753 along with a quadruple ducat.

Reported Mintage: unknown.

Specification: 17.5 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 17.21 g.

Catalog reference: KM A143, D.T. 436a, Anm, HMZ 2-1165k, Anm. Fr-479.

Source:

• 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.
• Richter, Jürg, and Ruedi Kunzmann, Neuer HMZ-Katalog, Band 2: Die Münzen der Schweiz und Liechtensteins 15//16. Jahrhundert bis Gegenwart, Regenstauf, Germany: H. Gietl Verlag GmbH, 2006.
• ^[1]Jürg Richter, Auction 70, Swiss Coins and Medals and Rarities in Gold, Zurich: Sincona AG, 2021.

Link to:

• 1719 ducat
• 1719 ducat, Zwingli bicentennial
• 1719 double ducat, Zwingli bicentennial
• 1720 half thaler
• Uri 1720 ducat Fr-406
• 1720 ducat
• 1721 20 schilling
• 1721 half thaler, city view reverse
• 1721 quarter ducat
• 1721 half ducat
• 1722 ducat
• 1723 double ducat
• Coins and currency dated 1720