Heritage World Coin Auctions
March Signature Sale 3096 25-27 Mar 2021
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Switzerland
Lucerne. Canton gold 10 Ducat 1714-HL MS62 NGC, KM-G51 (Rare), Fr-308 (Very Rare; this coin), cf. HMZ-2-649b (for Taler; 10 Ducat not noted), cf. Divo-543 (same; notes existence of 10 Ducat), Wunderly-Unl. 35.68gm. By Johann Karl Hedlinger. Struck from Taler dies (cf. KM48). A classic rarity of the Lucerne series and by all metrics a true giant of 18th-century Swiss coinage--this being one of only three 10 Ducats to be struck throughout the entire history of the Canton, and arguably the most beautiful. Designed by Johann Karl Hedlinger, one of the greatest medalists of the 18th century, who, at the time, was the apprentice of Hans Wilhelm Krauer. This type very much stands as an embodiment of the pinnacle of Lucerne's emissions and a testament to Hedlinger's genius, at a time when widespread quarreling between the Swiss cantons produced discussions on changing the standards for which the coinage of the realm was based. Much like the other examples we have been able to locate, this specimen reveals strong evidence of multiple striking, likely in connection with the high standards of production that would have been observed for such prestigious pieces, producing a definitive relief that stands in medallic contrast to the watery fields surrounding. Our research has indicated that perhaps as few as four total examples of this 10 Ducat are available to collectors, the only other three pieces to come to auction in the last 20+ years being:
1) The Allen Morretti specimen. Heritage Auction #3075 (August 2019, Lot 32393); Wilmersdörffer Collection (L. & L. Hamburger October 1905, Lot 763). Certified MS63 by NGC and sold for $162,000.
2) UBS Gold & Numismatics Auction 53 (January 2002, Lot 494); Adolf Iklé Collection (Leo Hamburger May 1909, Lot 339)
3) Schweizer Goldmünzen (Adolph Hess-Bank Leu Auction 25, April 1964, Lot 204)
We would also note that a representative was altogether missing from the Stroehlin, Hauser-Späth, Hirzel, Bachofen, and Wunderly collections, as well as from Poole's 1878 catalog of the Swiss coins in the South Kensington Museum. At present one of only two certified, we anticipate that this offering will garner fierce competition as it crosses the auction block.
Ex. Leu Numismatik Auction 82 (October 2001, Lot 377)
https://coins.ha.com/itm/switzerland/lucerne/switzerland-lucerne-canton-gold-10-ducat-1714-hl-ms62-ngc-/a/3096-30466.s?type=CoinArchives3096
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 50000-75000 USD
Lucerne. Canton gold 10 Ducat 1714-HL MS62 NGC, KM-G51 (Rare), Fr-308 (Very Rare; this coin), cf. HMZ-2-649b (for Taler; 10 Ducat not noted), cf. Divo-543 (same; notes existence of 10 Ducat), Wunderly-Unl. 35.68gm. By Johann Karl Hedlinger. Struck from Taler dies (cf. KM48). A classic rarity of the Lucerne series and by all metrics a true giant of 18th-century Swiss coinage--this being one of only three 10 Ducats to be struck throughout the entire history of the Canton, and arguably the most beautiful. Designed by Johann Karl Hedlinger, one of the greatest medalists of the 18th century, who, at the time, was the apprentice of Hans Wilhelm Krauer. This type very much stands as an embodiment of the pinnacle of Lucerne's emissions and a testament to Hedlinger's genius, at a time when widespread quarreling between the Swiss cantons produced discussions on changing the standards for which the coinage of the realm was based. Much like the other examples we have been able to locate, this specimen reveals strong evidence of multiple striking, likely in connection with the high standards of production that would have been observed for such prestigious pieces, producing a definitive relief that stands in medallic contrast to the watery fields surrounding. Our research has indicated that perhaps as few as four total examples of this 10 Ducat are available to collectors, the only other three pieces to come to auction in the last 20+ years being:
1) The Allen Morretti specimen. Heritage Auction #3075 (August 2019, Lot 32393); Wilmersdörffer Collection (L. & L. Hamburger October 1905, Lot 763). Certified MS63 by NGC and sold for $162,000.
2) UBS Gold & Numismatics Auction 53 (January 2002, Lot 494); Adolf Iklé Collection (Leo Hamburger May 1909, Lot 339)
3) Schweizer Goldmünzen (Adolph Hess-Bank Leu Auction 25, April 1964, Lot 204)
We would also note that a representative was altogether missing from the Stroehlin, Hauser-Späth, Hirzel, Bachofen, and Wunderly collections, as well as from Poole's 1878 catalog of the Swiss coins in the South Kensington Museum. At present one of only two certified, we anticipate that this offering will garner fierce competition as it crosses the auction block.
Ex. Leu Numismatik Auction 82 (October 2001, Lot 377)
https://coins.ha.com/itm/switzerland/lucerne/switzerland-lucerne-canton-gold-10-ducat-1714-hl-ms62-ngc-/a/3096-30466.s?type=CoinArchives3096
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 50000-75000 USD