Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
August 2021 ANA Auction 16-21 Aug 2021
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TRANSYLVANIA. Mint Error -- Double Struck with Obverse Rotation -- Taler, 1660-CB. Nagybanya (Baia Mare) Mint. Achatius Barcsai. NGC MS-63.
Dav-4765 var.; KM-330.3. Quite possibly finest known quality for this VERY RARE type with some elements of typical crudeness seen (most visibly on date side where a 90 degree rotation between strikes is observed), yet with surfaces that are exceptionally fresh, displaying flashy gleam in the fields and designs that are free from circulation friction. Close inspection unveils additional anomalous characteristics, as the elements that comprise the shield motif most closely resemble Davenport-4764, but characteristics such as a rosette among the seven castles in the lower right quadrant don't match any other example we've traced (although a surprising number of dies are observed considering how rare this type is). Perhaps even more fascinating is the realization that the doubling in the strike seen on the date side is the result of striking with two different dies, the size of the first 6 in the date being clear differentiators. As such, perhaps this piece was executed as a trial for the type, thus explaining how it escaped circulation and remains in such a lovely state. Whatever the case, a true treasure for the collector of Transylvania, with the added of allure of potentially being unique in this formation.
Dav-4765 var.; KM-330.3. Quite possibly finest known quality for this VERY RARE type with some elements of typical crudeness seen (most visibly on date side where a 90 degree rotation between strikes is observed), yet with surfaces that are exceptionally fresh, displaying flashy gleam in the fields and designs that are free from circulation friction. Close inspection unveils additional anomalous characteristics, as the elements that comprise the shield motif most closely resemble Davenport-4764, but characteristics such as a rosette among the seven castles in the lower right quadrant don't match any other example we've traced (although a surprising number of dies are observed considering how rare this type is). Perhaps even more fascinating is the realization that the doubling in the strike seen on the date side is the result of striking with two different dies, the size of the first 6 in the date being clear differentiators. As such, perhaps this piece was executed as a trial for the type, thus explaining how it escaped circulation and remains in such a lovely state. Whatever the case, a true treasure for the collector of Transylvania, with the added of allure of potentially being unique in this formation.
Achatius Barcsai was twice prince of Transylvania 1658-59 and 1660 during the confused fighting between the Turks, the Austrians and the local Hungarians. The Hapsburgs finally prevailed after the siege of Vienna of 1683 and conquered Transylvania, ending her autonomy.
Estimate: $12000 - $16000