Watch List notes:

GERMANY. Bavaria. 5 Ducats, 1640. Munich Mint. Maximilian I. PCGS MS-63.
Fr-196; KM-296. Date divided by city view variety. A lovely high grade example in early die state with finely engraved devices offering an interesting depth and texture more closely resembling the execution of a medal. The high relief and intricate devices were clearly done by a skilled hand with much experience. Great care was taken with this piece, both in preparation and manufacture and extended periods of time. The open areas and crevasses are bright and flashy offering nice cartwheel luster in contrast to the intricate design features, though a thin veneer of patination somewhat subdues its brilliance. The quality of textures are fairly well detailed and intact, though evidence of die brushing can be seen on both sides. This is an example where the numeric grade doesn't necessarily reflect the overall quality.

An interesting issue that was produced concurrently with the date above variety (KM-268). The obverse die can be linked to both reverse types with the key diagnostic appearing at 6, an inner curved die crack from the upper stop through the top of the "D" terminating at the left arm of the "V" of "DVX". When comparing appearances in auction archive over the last 15 years the reverse type with the date above is approximately 2-3 times more frequently encountered then the present type and should be considered RARE. We were able to locate 23 examples of the date above variety while we could only locate 8 with the date divided variety, present piece included. However, duplicate examples maybe included in these appearances and further research is needed to confirm the exact amount of each type. The current die state appears to be quite early on in its life with nearly complete intricate design features, but does have signs of deterioration and die brushing.

Estimate: $20000.00- $30000.00