Hungary 1540-KB obol

Sincona sale 90, lot 2092

This specimen was lot 2092 in Sincona sale 90 (Zurich, May 2024), where it sold for 10,000 CHF (about US$13,214 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"UNGARN, Ferdinand I. 1526-1564. Obol 1540 KB, Kremnitz. Goldabschlag. Von grösster Seltenheit. Einziges bekanntes Exemplar. PCGS SP63. (kingdom of Hungary, Ferdinand I, 1526-64, obol of 1540, Kremnitz mint, struck in gold. Of the highest rarity. The only known specimen.)"

Obols, worth half a pfennig or denar, were struck in this style 1532-64. The gold strike was doubtless for presentation.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: silver, this specimen gold.

Catalog reference: KM MB145 (in silver), Huszar 964 (in silver).

Source:

• Nicol, N. Douglas, Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of German Coins, 1501-Present, 3rd ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2011.
• ^[1]Richter, Jurg, SINCONA Auction 90, Münzen und Medaillen der Welt, Zurich: SINCONA AG, 2024.

Link to:

• 1535-KB ducat
• Hungary 1537-KB denar
• 1539 goldgulden, John Zapolya, Madonna reverse
• 1540 goldgulden, John Zapolya, Madonna reverse
• 1540 goldgulden, John Zapolya, arms reverse
• 1540-KB ducat
• Coins and currency dated 1540