Denmark 1843-VS speciedaler Dav-74
This specimen was lot 30090 in Heritage sale 3089 (Dallas, TX, January 2021), where it sold for $14,400. The catalog description[1] noted, "Denmark. Christian VIII Proof Speciedaler 1843 (h)-VS PR66 NGC, Copenhagen mint. A phenomenon which instantly sparks interest from seasoned Scandinavian collectors for the indelible moniker in carries--an early Proof striking unrecorded in the standard literature. Indeed, while the Speciedalers of Christian VIII (who reigned for just 8 years) already represent a very fleeting series--with Hede suggesting only 4-6 known for this date and mintmark--Proofs stand in a tier all their own; to-date we can locate only one other example to come to auction to be called "Prooflike", and indeed the present offering is the only piece to be certified as firmly Proof. As such, a clear extreme rarity, and one sure to inspiring fierce competition as it crosses the auction block. Ex. Peak Collection (UBS Gold & Numismatics Auction 74, January 2008, Lot 37). From the Cape Coral Collection of European Crowns." Danish currency endured several "reforms" in the nineteenth century. Until 1813, 1 ducat = 2 speciedaler = 12 mark = 192 skilling Danske. After the reform of 1813, 1 frederiks d'or = 5 speciedaler = 10 rigsbankdaler = 960 rigsbankskilling. In 1854, the speciedaler was dropped but the remaining denominations were unchanged. In 1874, all the old denominations were terminated in favor of one krone = 100 øre, which system is still in use, tho the krone is no longer silver. King Christian VIII ruled 1839-48. For 1843, this type was struck only at Copenhagen, with Copenhagen using two mintmarks, a crown (scarce) and a heart (very rare, shown here).
Recorded mintage: unknown; the crown privy mark is scarce and the heart privy mark is rare.
Specification: 28.89 g, 0.875 fine silver, .812 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM 720.1 (Rare; unlisted in Proof), Dav-74, Hede-3D (RR), Sieg-13.4 (RR).
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- Siegs Møntcatalog 2016: Danmark med Omrader, 48 ed., Frederikssund, Siegs Forlag ApS, 2015.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage Auction 3089: NYINC World & Ancient Coins Platinum & Signature Auction - Dallas, featuring the Cape Coral Collection of European Crowns and the Penn Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2020.
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