Denmark 1704 5 ducats Fr-246
This specimen was lot 32134 in Heritage sale 3081 (New York, January 2020), where it sold for $120,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Denmark: Charming Mint State "Ship" 5 Ducat. Frederik IV gold 5 Ducat 1704 MS62 NGC, Copenhagen mint. Struck in an original mintage of only 251 examples, this Mint State selection represents an exceptional survivor of a scarce issue, struck over three centuries ago in a time where Denmark's commercial and naval prestige placed it on a first-tier footing on the world stage, vying with other powers for colonial and economic influence. This spirit is surely reflected in its dynamic and engaging reverse design, displaying a ship of the line on the rolling seas, the sun radiant and glowing in the distance. The devices exhibit consistent and clear attention to detail, with Frederik's armored bust presented with a splendor and majesty only fitting for royalty, and the reverse naval scene exhibiting remarkable intricacy over the ship and in the very shapes and curves of the waves themselves. A shimmering brilliance surrounds the soft finish of the devices, notably in [the] exergue on the reverse, resulting in a visual charm that most bidders are unlikely to encounter again in any rare future appearances of the type. Ex. Künker Auction 244 (February 2014, Lot 0416); Pedersen Collection."
This type was accompanied by a single ducat (Fr-244) and a double ducat (Fr-243).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 17.45 g, 0.979 fine gold, this specimen 17.12 g.
Catalog reference: KM 482 (Rare), Fr-246, Hede-12 (RR), Sieg-53 (R).
- 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.
- Siegs Møntcatalog 2016: Danmark med Omrader, 48 ed., Frederikssund, Siegs Forlag ApS, 2015.
- 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.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3081, featuring the Caranett Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2019.
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