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March Signature Sale 3096 25-27 Mar 2021
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German States
Hanau-Lichtenberg. Philipp Reinhard gold 10 Ducat 1695 AU58 NGC, Heidelberg or Darmstadt mint, KM105 (Rare; this coin), Fr-1150 (Unique), Suchier-Unl., Reimmann-Unl., Henneberg Collection-Unl. 34.33gm. Struck from Taler dies (cf. KM103.1). A rare constellation of technical and historic desirability among the many emissions from the German States. Entirely unknown to Suchier in 1897, at the time that his foundational study on the coinage of Hanau was published, the type was also missing from Joseph Hamburger's October 1908 sale of his collection. Even Davenport only states that "[t]here is a taler of 1688 known only in gold" (pg. 217) with no indication whatsoever that he knew of this piece.
One of only two multiple ducats struck throughout the entire history of Hanau-Lichtenberg--both presumed unique--it is likely no accident that their production occurred during the reign of Philipp Reinhard. One of his principal aims, after reaching his majority in 1687, was a thoughtful territorial and fiscal policy meant to undo the ruin brought to his house by the careless escapades of his uncle, Friedrich Casimir, during the Thirty Years' War. And what a magnificent testament to the young Duke's commitment! Featuring one of the only city views of Lichtenberg on a contemporary coin, the scene preserved on the reverse is absolutely breathtaking--a cherub among the clouds, presenting a banner inscribed with HANAU, the duchy's arms flanked by lions below, and the cityscape in-between. What is perhaps even more intriguing is that the obverse legends appear to have been double struck, with a major rotation of the dies--the RE of REIN visible beneath the TZ of MVNTZ. Speculating on the value of such a unique piece seems an impossible task, though, for reference, Friedberg records this coin last being sold in Zurich in 1992, where it brought an incredible 96,000 CHF.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/german-states/hanau-lichtenberg/german-states-hanau-lichtenberg-philipp-reinhard-gold-10-ducat-1695-au58-ngc-/a/3096-30245.s?type=CoinArchives3096
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 50000-75000 USD
Hanau-Lichtenberg. Philipp Reinhard gold 10 Ducat 1695 AU58 NGC, Heidelberg or Darmstadt mint, KM105 (Rare; this coin), Fr-1150 (Unique), Suchier-Unl., Reimmann-Unl., Henneberg Collection-Unl. 34.33gm. Struck from Taler dies (cf. KM103.1). A rare constellation of technical and historic desirability among the many emissions from the German States. Entirely unknown to Suchier in 1897, at the time that his foundational study on the coinage of Hanau was published, the type was also missing from Joseph Hamburger's October 1908 sale of his collection. Even Davenport only states that "[t]here is a taler of 1688 known only in gold" (pg. 217) with no indication whatsoever that he knew of this piece.
One of only two multiple ducats struck throughout the entire history of Hanau-Lichtenberg--both presumed unique--it is likely no accident that their production occurred during the reign of Philipp Reinhard. One of his principal aims, after reaching his majority in 1687, was a thoughtful territorial and fiscal policy meant to undo the ruin brought to his house by the careless escapades of his uncle, Friedrich Casimir, during the Thirty Years' War. And what a magnificent testament to the young Duke's commitment! Featuring one of the only city views of Lichtenberg on a contemporary coin, the scene preserved on the reverse is absolutely breathtaking--a cherub among the clouds, presenting a banner inscribed with HANAU, the duchy's arms flanked by lions below, and the cityscape in-between. What is perhaps even more intriguing is that the obverse legends appear to have been double struck, with a major rotation of the dies--the RE of REIN visible beneath the TZ of MVNTZ. Speculating on the value of such a unique piece seems an impossible task, though, for reference, Friedberg records this coin last being sold in Zurich in 1992, where it brought an incredible 96,000 CHF.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/german-states/hanau-lichtenberg/german-states-hanau-lichtenberg-philipp-reinhard-gold-10-ducat-1695-au58-ngc-/a/3096-30245.s?type=CoinArchives3096
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 50000-75000 USD