Watch List notes:

POLAND. Livonia. Marck, 1573. Latvia (Dahlholm Castle) Mint. Sigismund II Augustus. PCGS EF-45.
H-Cz-580 (R8); Kop-3114 (R8); Kur-1000 (R8); Gum-721. Obverse: Livonian griffin left holding sword aloft; Reverse: Dual shields bearing the arms of Poland and Livonia; date below; denomination above. A numismatic treasure amongst the most singularly interesting pieces from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In 1573 after the formation of the new Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Sigismund II had yet to fully secure his Livonian territories and needed to pursue military pacification. To this end, Sigismund II and his Livonian governor Jan Chodkiewicz employed mercenary soldiers. Needing to pay the soldiers, Sigismund authorized Chodkiewicz to strike coins at Dahlholm Castle, in the denominations of Marck, Half Marck, and Ferd.

The present example is rather attractive, with limited evidence of handling seen. The devices and legends are generally well struck, and the surfaces escape much in the way of circulation. Some disturbances in the surfaces are noticed near the lower obverse peripheral legend, though this is mostly obscured by a layer of old cabinet toning. Kopicki's relative rarity scale suggests that 2-3 examples of the type are known to exist, with one example permanently impounded at the National Museum in Warsaw. Given this RARITY, we expect no shortage of bidders to step forward and seek to add this treasure to their numismatic cabinets.

From the Anthony J. Taraszka Collection.

Ex: Leu 70 (10/1997) Lot #6924.

Ex: Adolph Hess (06/1920) Lot #991.

Ex: Virgil Brand Collection.

Estimate: $60000 - $100000