Bern (1775) 10 ducats Fr-142

Heritage sale 3096, lot 30459

Sincona sale 91, lot 3151

The first specimen was lot 30459 in Heritage auction 3096 (Dallas, TX, March 2021), where it sold for $150,000. The catalog description^[1] noted,

"Sublime and Prooflike Bern 10 Ducat. Switzerland: Bern. City gold 10 Ducat ND (c. 1772) MS63 Prooflike NGC. Astoundingly brilliant for this rare type, the offering on display ranks not only as the technically finest certified example of the issue, but also as the only one to receive a Prooflike designation by NGC. Even a cursory glance immediately reveals that this is no ordinary coin. Its expansive size, itself a significant hint as to its rarity in light of its age, serves as a profound canvas for designs that are both exquisitely detailed and struck to such a degree of sharpness that not a hint of detail is lacking. This expert crafting is perhaps most visible in the wreath that embraces the shield motif, as well as in the finer reverse peripheral details, which exhibit the highest caliber of stippled texturing. Rotation under light ignites the fields in a sun-like vibrant depth, these demonstrating clear reflectivity to several inches and serving as a beautiful backdrop to the well-chiseled details rising above. Fine die polish lines in the fields confirm what is already so apparent at face, namely that this selection displays nothing but the purest Mint State quality. From the Paramount Collection."

The second specimen was lot 3151 in Sincona sale 91 (Zürich, May 2024), where it sold for 100,000 CHF (about US$132,140 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[2] noted,

"SCHWEIZ Bern, Stadt und Kanton, 10 Dukaten o. J. (um 1772), Bern. Gekröntes Wappen in reich verzierter Kartusche. Rv. Vierzeilige Schrift auf verzierter Kartusche. Geriffelter Rand. Von J. C. Mörikofer. Von grösster Seltenheit. Fast FDC. Prachtvolle Erhaltung. Exemplar der Auktion Adolph Hess, Luzern, Oktober 1981, Los 715. (Switzerland, canton of Bern, undated ten ducats, circa 1775, Bern mint. Obverse: crowned arms in ornate cartouche; reverse: four line inscription in ornate cartouche, reeded edge. Of the highest rarity, About uncirculated, Magnificent condition.)"

The climbing bear is the badge of Bern, Switzerland. This issue was accompanied by KM 135 (12 ducat), KM 131/132 (8 ducat), KM 130 (7 ducat), KM 129 (6 ducat), KM 128 (4 ducat) and KM 126 (ducat).

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 35 g, 0.986 fine gold, the first specimen 34.64 g, the second specimen 34.47 g.

Catalog reference: KM 134, Lohner 29, Fr-142, HMZ-2-203b, Divo-464b, Wunderly-Unl.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
• 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.
• 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano and Warren Tucker, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3096, featuring the Paramount Collection of World & Ancient Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
• ^[2]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 91, The Konrad Bürki Collection - Part 1 (Swiss Cantonal Coins), Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.

Link to:

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