The New York Sale
Auction LIII 14 Jan 2021
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Achatius Barcsai (1659-1660). Silver Taler/Tallér, 1659 CV, Kolozvár/ Klausenberg. Half-length portrait of Barcsay right holding scepter. Rev. Crowned and garnished Arms, weight 28.6g (Dav 4758, Huszá¡r 595, Resch 5A). Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $6,000
While George II Rákóczi was away waging war in Poland in the Second Northern War, Achatius Barcsai emerged as a critical player in the governance of Transylvania. On Oct. 7, 1658, he was named Prince of Transylvania by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet IV after agreeing to pay an annual tribute of 40,000 gold pieces and war reparations of 500,000 Silver Talers. Although, Barcsai is seen by many as opportunistic and lusting for power, he was the best candidate at the time. The Sublime Porte agreed to seize Rákóczi and strip away his power. Rákóczi was deposed; severely wounded in the conflict with the Turks at the Battle of Gilau, he later died. At the end of 1660, Barcsai was forced to abdicate in favor of János Kemény, who then had Barcsai put to death.
While George II Rákóczi was away waging war in Poland in the Second Northern War, Achatius Barcsai emerged as a critical player in the governance of Transylvania. On Oct. 7, 1658, he was named Prince of Transylvania by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet IV after agreeing to pay an annual tribute of 40,000 gold pieces and war reparations of 500,000 Silver Talers. Although, Barcsai is seen by many as opportunistic and lusting for power, he was the best candidate at the time. The Sublime Porte agreed to seize Rákóczi and strip away his power. Rákóczi was deposed; severely wounded in the conflict with the Turks at the Battle of Gilau, he later died. At the end of 1660, Barcsai was forced to abdicate in favor of János Kemény, who then had Barcsai put to death.