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March Signature Sale 3096 25-27 Mar 2021
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Transylvania
Gabriel Bethlen gold 10 Ducat 1619-AI MS63 NGC, Weissenburg (Karlsburg) mint, KM117 (Rare), Fr-347, Husz-303, Resch-25. 34.70gm. A conditionally superior specimen that pushes the very bounds of what is normally considered possible for a larger gold emission of its age and type. Struck during the tumult and chaos of the Thirty Years' War, this heavy gold issue was produced in the same year that Bethlen invaded Royal Hungary--in a stage of the conflict when the Protestants were very much taking the initiative--capturing Pressburg before the ultimate ceding of the Hungarian crown by the opposing side. Though Bethlen would ultimately be put on the defensive by the course of events, suing for peace after the Battle of White Mountain in November of 1620, this specimen is a testament to Transylvanian power and influence during a time in which the Prince maintained an effective mercenary army capable of playing a considerable role in European affairs.
The strike is crisp throughout, with Bethlen's hat, beard, and minute hair detail painstakingly crafted to exact precision. This observation extends equally to the reverse, which exhibits utter clarity and sharpness in the legends and shield motif, all basking in full Mint State luminosity that appears entirely fresh and devoid of any reduction by handling. This offering remains the only example seen by NGC to date, and it is difficult to imagine that it would be exceeded in quality any time soon, if at all.
Ex. Hess-Divo Auction 295 (May 2003, Lot 88)
https://coins.ha.com/itm/transylvania/transylvania-gabriel-bethlen-gold-10-ducat-1619-ai-ms63-ngc-/a/3096-30492.s?type=CoinArchives3096
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 60000-80000 USD
Gabriel Bethlen gold 10 Ducat 1619-AI MS63 NGC, Weissenburg (Karlsburg) mint, KM117 (Rare), Fr-347, Husz-303, Resch-25. 34.70gm. A conditionally superior specimen that pushes the very bounds of what is normally considered possible for a larger gold emission of its age and type. Struck during the tumult and chaos of the Thirty Years' War, this heavy gold issue was produced in the same year that Bethlen invaded Royal Hungary--in a stage of the conflict when the Protestants were very much taking the initiative--capturing Pressburg before the ultimate ceding of the Hungarian crown by the opposing side. Though Bethlen would ultimately be put on the defensive by the course of events, suing for peace after the Battle of White Mountain in November of 1620, this specimen is a testament to Transylvanian power and influence during a time in which the Prince maintained an effective mercenary army capable of playing a considerable role in European affairs.
The strike is crisp throughout, with Bethlen's hat, beard, and minute hair detail painstakingly crafted to exact precision. This observation extends equally to the reverse, which exhibits utter clarity and sharpness in the legends and shield motif, all basking in full Mint State luminosity that appears entirely fresh and devoid of any reduction by handling. This offering remains the only example seen by NGC to date, and it is difficult to imagine that it would be exceeded in quality any time soon, if at all.
Ex. Hess-Divo Auction 295 (May 2003, Lot 88)
https://coins.ha.com/itm/transylvania/transylvania-gabriel-bethlen-gold-10-ducat-1619-ai-ms63-ngc-/a/3096-30492.s?type=CoinArchives3096
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 60000-80000 USD