Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
January 2023 NYINC Auction 13-16 Jan 2023
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POLAND. Danzig. Donative 10 Ducats, 1613/1614-S A. Danzig Mint. Sigismund III. PCGS AU-55.
Fr-5; H-Cz-1308 (R2); Kop-Unlisted; Kur-2331 (R5); Gum-Unlisted. Weight: 35.13 gms. Engraved by Samuel Ammon. Obverse: Crowned, collared, and enrobed bust right in heavily ornamented garnishing, wearing Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece; engraver's initials (SA) and date within ornamentation; Reverse: Coat-of-arms of Danzig surmounted by cherub; supporting ornamentation below with date within, second date below; all within garlanding encircled by the legend. Immediately provoking a sense of awe and wonderment, this incredible donative 10 Ducats displays a level of artistry that is worthy of the finest of galleries. Engraved by Samuel Ammon, whose work would be immortalized on the 1621 100 Ducats of Sigismund III. Ammon was a master engraver, and the care he took to painstakingly apply the finely-grained details of the bust and arms of Danzig offer support for this piece being denotative in nature, likely to be given to nobility or a dignitary.
Fr-5; H-Cz-1308 (R2); Kop-Unlisted; Kur-2331 (R5); Gum-Unlisted. Weight: 35.13 gms. Engraved by Samuel Ammon. Obverse: Crowned, collared, and enrobed bust right in heavily ornamented garnishing, wearing Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece; engraver's initials (SA) and date within ornamentation; Reverse: Coat-of-arms of Danzig surmounted by cherub; supporting ornamentation below with date within, second date below; all within garlanding encircled by the legend. Immediately provoking a sense of awe and wonderment, this incredible donative 10 Ducats displays a level of artistry that is worthy of the finest of galleries. Engraved by Samuel Ammon, whose work would be immortalized on the 1621 100 Ducats of Sigismund III. Ammon was a master engraver, and the care he took to painstakingly apply the finely-grained details of the bust and arms of Danzig offer support for this piece being denotative in nature, likely to be given to nobility or a dignitary.
The immaculate engraving is fully rendered on the broad planchet, with an intensity of details coming through rather forcefully. Vivid original orange peel luster is retained, giving this example the appearance of a Mint State specimen at first glance. Any traces of rub are limited to the highest elements of the design, indicating this piece was put away long ago and revered. The slightest hint of friction on the surface is barely worth a mention, and this does nothing to detract from the beauty. More artwork than coin, this treasure of Sigismund III is certain to be cherished by the next owner, as it was by all of the previous ones.
From the Anthony J. Taraszka Collection.
Ex: Frankiewicz Collection.
Estimate: $200000 - $300000