Bamberg 1657 5 ducats Fr-166
This specimen was lot 30200 in Heritage auction 3096 (Dallas, TX, March 2021), where it sold for $84,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Presumably Unique Gold Issue of Philip Valentin Struck from Taler Dies. German States: Bamberg. Philipp Valentin von Rieneck gold 5 Ducat 1657 MS62 NGC, Nürnberg mint. Struck from Taler dies (cf. KM 45). Georg Nürnberger as mintmaster. The unique selection of Bamberg multiple ducats within the Paramount Collection, and offered herein, are absolutely exceptional, showcasing the excellent engraving style of the time on ideal canvases. Struck in a distinctively measured and refined style, Philipp Valentin's portrait rises in medallic stature against the open fields. The intricacy of his bust and vestments provide ample crevasses for mint luster, producing a markedly frosty appearance. While scattered wisps likely account for the certification, rub is altogether absent, allowing for a full appreciation of the motifs. Apparently missing from public auction record, we cannot emphasize enough the rare opportunity presented here-a singular chance for bidders to add one of the key rarities of the series to their collection. Ex. Bankhaus Partin Auction 26 (March 1988, Lot 2). From the Paramount Collection."
This and a ducat (Fr-167) are the only gold coins of this prince.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 17.5 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 17.35 g.
Catalog reference: KM-A47 (Rare), Fr-166 (Very Rare), Heller-Unl., Krug-265.01 (citing this coin).
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- 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.
- Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
- [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.
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