Austria
Selections from the Eric P. Newman Collection of World Coins. Ferdinand Charles gold 2 Ducats ND (1632-62), Hall mint, KM789, Fr-242, AU Details (Mount Removed) NGC. Ornately engraved with the obverse detailing a portrait of long-haired Ferdinand Charles in formal garment with the Order of the Golden Fleece around his neck. On the reverse sits a Tyrolean eagle. Labeled "excessively rare" on Newman's envelope and apparently accurate still, as a search yields no other recently sold examples. The present piece, certainly used as an ornamental decoration in the past, was heavily cleaned at one time with muted luster as a result and a delicate reddish tone residing around the protected areas. Despite the obvious imperfections, all the crucial detail remains pleasingly sharp, and for the seeker of absolute rarity, this qualifying example would certainly be an admirable and important collection addition.
Estimate: 3000-4000 USD