Spink will be holding Auction 7030 in London on November 28th, 2007. The auction will cover Ancient, English & Foreign Coins & Comm Medals. Included in this sale is an exceedingly rare Austrian Gold 15 Ducats which is sure to delight any European gold specialist.

The practice of issuing large denomination gold coins for presentation, mainly at court, reached its peak in Austria under Emperor Ferdinand II (1619-1657) and his son Ferdinand III.

These “prestige pieces” were usually struck from dies produced for the broad Double Taler, a silver coin, but in varying thicknesses (and weights) in gold, corresponding to particular numbers of gold ducats. The smaller denominations, up to Ten Ducats, are relatively common, although always popular and such splendid coins usually realise high prices. However the Fifteen Ducat piece is almost unknown. In the famous Rudolf Just collection, sold in 2001, eight examples of the Ten Ducats of Ferdinand III were included but no Fifteen ducats. One specimen of this denomination and date from the Graz mint exists in the Austrian state museum, the Wiener Munzkabinett, and another was recorded in the legendary Spöttl collection. This is perhaps the third known specimen of this coin.

This denomination is especially rare. In the Rudolf Just collection (11.12.2001) there were eight examples of the 10 Ducats of Ferdinand III, but not one 15 Ducats. There is one specimen in the Wiener Munzkabinett (60. VII 2), and there was one specimen recorded in the Spottl collection (7.3). The issue of “prestige pieces” struck mainly for presentation at court originated principally in Austria and reached its peak under the reigns of Emperors Ferdinand II (1619-37) and Ferdinand III.

For a full discussion of the origin of such pieces, see Showpieces: Medallic Coins in Early Modern Europe, B J Cook, The Medal, Spring 1995, pp.3-25

Coin Details

Austria, Emperor Ferdinand III (1637-1657), gold 15 Ducats, weight 51.97g, struck at Graz mint, 1641, with date 1641 over 39, without mint-master’s mark. Obverse: laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, date below shoulder and wearing order of the Golden Fleece, FERDINANDVS III D G ROM IMP SEM AV GER HVNG BO REX, around; reverse, crowned oval garnished arms within Collar of the Golden Fleece, ARCHI AVSTRIAE DVX BURGVNDIAE STYRIAE Ec. around
good very fine / very fine, exceedingly rare
estimate £10,000 - £15,000

As an interesting supplement to this amazing coin, Spink are pleased to offer the silver Double Taler, struck at the same mint and from the same date. This is the coin originally struck from the dies used for the Fifteen Ducats.

This will also be sold at Spink on November 28th, lot 406, estimate £800-£900.

About Spink
Spink is the world’s leading auctioneer of coins, stamps, medals and banknotes. Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of three royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide. Spink is headquartered in London and holds over 35 auctions a year around the globe. In June 2006 Spink shattered the world record for a British Coin sold at auction with the sale of the Double Leopard Gold Coin for a staggering £460,000.

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