Heritage World Coin Auctions
March Signature Sale 3096 25-27 Mar 2021
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Austria
Salzburg. Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau gold 10 Ducat 1593 MS62 NGC, Fr-677, Probszt-727, Numitor Collection-Unl., Zöttl-831. 34.45gm. A treasured gold type within the Salzburg series, and in a state of preservation that would be incredibly hard to surpass, this being the only Mint State example certified by either grading service. Due to its impressive size and the softness of the metal, multiple ducats such as this are frequently encountered with prominent dings or contact marks, and in many cases graffiti, as is seen on both the Zöttl plate coin as well as the 8 Ducat striking in the Numitor Collection. Perhaps this comes from the probable purpose of the issue itself. It has been postulated that these "tower" coins were given as gifts to the soldiers that Wolf Dietrich contributed to Emperor Rudolf II in his war against the Turks, for which the tempest-beset tower surmounted by a cross may have been an allegory. Additionally, it has been proposed that the tower was a symbol of the Catholic Church withstanding the threats posed by the Reformation. In either case, locating such a near-choice survivor is a considerable feat. For reference, we note that the Millennia example, certified at just AU58, reportedly brought $25,000 in 2008.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/austria/austria-salzburg-wolf-dietrich-von-raitenau-gold-10-ducat-1593-ms62-ngc-/a/3096-30090.s?type=CoinArchives3096
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 20000-30000 USD
Salzburg. Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau gold 10 Ducat 1593 MS62 NGC, Fr-677, Probszt-727, Numitor Collection-Unl., Zöttl-831. 34.45gm. A treasured gold type within the Salzburg series, and in a state of preservation that would be incredibly hard to surpass, this being the only Mint State example certified by either grading service. Due to its impressive size and the softness of the metal, multiple ducats such as this are frequently encountered with prominent dings or contact marks, and in many cases graffiti, as is seen on both the Zöttl plate coin as well as the 8 Ducat striking in the Numitor Collection. Perhaps this comes from the probable purpose of the issue itself. It has been postulated that these "tower" coins were given as gifts to the soldiers that Wolf Dietrich contributed to Emperor Rudolf II in his war against the Turks, for which the tempest-beset tower surmounted by a cross may have been an allegory. Additionally, it has been proposed that the tower was a symbol of the Catholic Church withstanding the threats posed by the Reformation. In either case, locating such a near-choice survivor is a considerable feat. For reference, we note that the Millennia example, certified at just AU58, reportedly brought $25,000 in 2008.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/austria/austria-salzburg-wolf-dietrich-von-raitenau-gold-10-ducat-1593-ms62-ngc-/a/3096-30090.s?type=CoinArchives3096
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 20000-30000 USD