Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3071 6-7 Jan 2019
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Netherlands East Indies
Dutch Colony. United East India Company (VOC) gold Proof Pattern Ducaton (Rider) 1728 PR64 NGC, KM71a, cf. Dav-417, Scholten-31 (RRR). 42mm. 40.15gm. Holland issue. Obverse: Cuirassed man on horseback galloping to right; below, the provincial arms; inscription: MON:FOED:BELG:PRO:HOLL:IN USUM SOCIET:IND:ORIENT / Reverse: Arms of the States General supported by two lions; below VOC in ornamental frame; above the crown, the date between dots; inscription: CONCORDIA RES PARVÆ CRESCUNT.
Originally conceived in the Seven Provinces in 1659, the Ducatoon (Ducaton), also known as the Silver Rider, came to fruition during a century in which the Netherlands was at the peak of its power and influence around the globe. The design, with its potent imagery and conveyance of force and energy, became an enduring icon of Dutch coinage. Not surprisingly, the motif was employed in the subsequent creation of the United East India Company Ducaton issues, struck from the late 1720s to the early 1750s, this time with an updated design that now included the mark and inscription of the company. While the silver issues of the type are highly collected and command a significant premium when encountered in choice preservation, the off-metal gold patterns of the type are in a completely different league.
The 1728 gold Proof striking, likely created as a presentation issue for important officials and friends of the East India Company, was struck in documented weights of 37.80 grams and 40.20 grams. This example is of the heavier standard, and displays a level of preservation and eye appeal that is virtually unheard of for the issue. The surfaces are vibrant with golden luster and exhibit characteristic reflectivity, with the result that the embedded devices, beautifully designed and exceptionally ornate, stand boldly over the fields in commanding fashion. The entirety of the surfaces shows not a single instance of excessive handling or marks, some very light hairlines within in the watery cascading luster of the fields existing as the only real imperfection. In hand, the overall impression is nearly one of a coin that was struck to modern standards of production, with only the ornate 18th century style serving as the giveaway that this coin was, in fact, struck just ten years shy of 300 years ago. For reference, we have sold one other 1728-dated gold Ducaton, in 2008 (Sale# 3000, Lot# 52416), for $126,500 including Buyer's Premium, a result which should easily be exceeded by the current superior example. Simply superb, and an offering that would be difficult if not impossible to surpass.
From the Seki Collection
HID02901242017
Estimate: 80000-100000 USD
Dutch Colony. United East India Company (VOC) gold Proof Pattern Ducaton (Rider) 1728 PR64 NGC, KM71a, cf. Dav-417, Scholten-31 (RRR). 42mm. 40.15gm. Holland issue. Obverse: Cuirassed man on horseback galloping to right; below, the provincial arms; inscription: MON:FOED:BELG:PRO:HOLL:IN USUM SOCIET:IND:ORIENT / Reverse: Arms of the States General supported by two lions; below VOC in ornamental frame; above the crown, the date between dots; inscription: CONCORDIA RES PARVÆ CRESCUNT.
Originally conceived in the Seven Provinces in 1659, the Ducatoon (Ducaton), also known as the Silver Rider, came to fruition during a century in which the Netherlands was at the peak of its power and influence around the globe. The design, with its potent imagery and conveyance of force and energy, became an enduring icon of Dutch coinage. Not surprisingly, the motif was employed in the subsequent creation of the United East India Company Ducaton issues, struck from the late 1720s to the early 1750s, this time with an updated design that now included the mark and inscription of the company. While the silver issues of the type are highly collected and command a significant premium when encountered in choice preservation, the off-metal gold patterns of the type are in a completely different league.
The 1728 gold Proof striking, likely created as a presentation issue for important officials and friends of the East India Company, was struck in documented weights of 37.80 grams and 40.20 grams. This example is of the heavier standard, and displays a level of preservation and eye appeal that is virtually unheard of for the issue. The surfaces are vibrant with golden luster and exhibit characteristic reflectivity, with the result that the embedded devices, beautifully designed and exceptionally ornate, stand boldly over the fields in commanding fashion. The entirety of the surfaces shows not a single instance of excessive handling or marks, some very light hairlines within in the watery cascading luster of the fields existing as the only real imperfection. In hand, the overall impression is nearly one of a coin that was struck to modern standards of production, with only the ornate 18th century style serving as the giveaway that this coin was, in fact, struck just ten years shy of 300 years ago. For reference, we have sold one other 1728-dated gold Ducaton, in 2008 (Sale# 3000, Lot# 52416), for $126,500 including Buyer's Premium, a result which should easily be exceeded by the current superior example. Simply superb, and an offering that would be difficult if not impossible to surpass.
From the Seki Collection
HID02901242017
Estimate: 80000-100000 USD