I. Franz Rakoczi gold Ducat 1705-KV, Klausenburg mint. KM530, Fr-478, AU55 NGC. Minted at Kolovar. Obv. Crowned cartouche with coat of arms of Transylvania with Rakoczi arms atop. Rev. Palm tree surrounded by three hills, K-V and date divided. Struck during the revolt against Austria by Franz Rakoczi, and it was affectionately termed a "Palm Ducat" because of the focal design. One of the more impressive types of this period. The latin legend, "TANDEM OPPRESSA RESVRGET", loosely translated, "though pressed, he rises", confirms this symbolism. The present example, one of only three or four to appear publicly in the past decade, is particularly choice for the assigned grade, with even orange-gold surfaces, no visible abrasive contact and barely a wisp of slight friction on the highpoints. The strike, while not completely full, doesn't obscure intended detail and naturally gives a semi-undulating appearance in the design-free areas. All in all, a rare example of this impressive type that yields a wonderfully story and visually leaves little to be desired. Franz Rakoczi was born in 1676 into a Hungarian aristocrat family and in time would become an accomplished military leader for Hungary, leading an uprising against the Habsburgs that began in 1703 and lasted until 1711. During this period, Rakoczi, with the French-Bavarian armies as allies, led the cause for Hungarian independence from Austria. In 1704, Rakoczi began his reign as Prince of Transylvania and in September of 1705, he was elected Ruling Prince of Hungary. Peace talks began in 1705, with the sovereignty of Transylvania being a primary stumbling block on an agreement. While he saw numerous military successes up until 1706, the financial burdens of war eventually began to catch up and his military presence began to dwindle. At the Battle of Trencsén in 1708, Rakoczi fell from his horse and was thought dead. As a result much of his army defected and took an oath of allegiance to the Emperor. With a diminished army, Rakoczi's held territory became increasingly limited and in 1711, he fled to Poland. Because of his noble actions, Rakoczi is today considered a national hero in Hungary. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate' Partnership of Eric P Newman / B.G. Johnson.
II. Leopold I gold Ducat 1701-FT MS60 NGC, Hermannstadt mint, KM525, Fr-498. Evenly centered and lustrous, this highly elusive early 18th century Ducat issue is very infrequently encountered, making a Mint State find such as this all the more significant. Eye-appealing for the grade, and the only example seen by NGC of this date. For reference, we note that a 1702-dated example of the type sold in Heritage Auction #3032 (April 2014, Lot 26131) for $5,287.50 all-in, this result achieved in XF preservation. Ex. Princeps Collection
III. Gabriel Bethlen gold 10 Ducat 1616 AU Details (Obverse Repaired) NGC, KM108, Fr-345, Resch-12. 34.60gm. A multiple Ducat of tremendous beauty, dynamic engraving and very impressive preservation; a type which would have been collected and coveted from the moment of striking, such is its quality and extremely high value. Of the few examples which have appeared at auction in recent years, almost all exhibit some form of hardship: tooling, graffiti, cleaning, mounting, all indicative of early collectors who knew no better. The present offering has had some mild smoothing applied to the obverse field and bears some scratches to the reverse, but besides these, it has remained unusually unscathed with rich butterscotch original surfaces, hints of residual luster and scarcely any loss of detail to the sharp devices. Certainly one of the finer of these types to still exist.
IV. Maria Theresa gold Ducat 1757 VF35 NGC, KM610.
V. Gabriel Bethlen Taler 1621-KB AU Details (Mount Removed) NGC, Kremnitz mint, KM134, Dav-4710, Resch-81. A lovely example displaying sharp detailing amidst still-lustrous fields revealing no larger instances of handling. Through previously mounted this is not readily apparent in the current holder.
VI. Maria Theresa gold 2 Ducat 1765 MS60 NGC, Karlsburg mint, KM631var (design different than pictured), Fr-540. A visually striking Mint State example with strong golden luster which spirals around the fields when when tilted, featuring a pleasing portrait of one of Europe's most well-known 18th century monarchs. From the Allen Moretti Swiss Collection
VII. Maria Theresa gold Ducat 1741 XF45 NGC, Karlsburg mint, KM598, Fr-542. A scarce three-year type that maintains impressive appeal in spite of clear evidence of circulation.
VIII. Gabriel Barthori Uniface Siege Taler 1611-CIBIN XF45 NGC, Dav-4703A. A bold representative of this Hermannstadt besieged uniface Taler, with darkened cabinet patination and mauve-gold highlights. Notably rare in this preservation, some softness to the strike noted, but with isolated moments of luster still brightening from the protected areas. Currently the finest-certified example of this type at NGC.
IX. Sigismund Bathori gold Ducat 1597-NB MS65 NGC, Nagybanya mint, Fr-297, Resch-217, Husz-112. SIGISMVND * * BATHORI • *, the Madonna seated facing on lunette, holding Holy Infant / S * LADISLAVS REX *, St. Ladislaus standing slightly right, holding axe and orb. An overly impressive gem, only slightly struck off center, yet with all of the design elements meticulously expressed, completely tone free with a gorgeous pale gold shimmer. A veritable gem and worthy of serious consideration. Ex. Princeps Collection
X. Joseph II gold 2 Ducat 1769 E-HG AU55 NGC, Karlsburg mint, KM1860. Minimal evidence of significant wear, with all of the design elements expressed, and a decent remnant luster.
XI. George Rakoczi II Taler 1650-NB MS61 NGC, KM282, Dav-4750. A most impressive and beautiful offering, very well struck, with an overall premium eye appeal for the technical grade. Blessed with a soft satiny texture throughout, exquisite expression of detail particularly within the bust design elements, and the slightest whisper of champagne hue. This example is far and away the finest in the graded community (NGC/PCGS) and deserving of the utmost regard.
XII. John Zapolya gold Ducat 1540-FG MS60 ANACS, Klausenburg mint, Fr-42, Huszár-871, U-691. A sunny example with somewhat subdued surfaces, which nonetheless charms by its great detail and preservation. A perfect piece for the Transylvanian type collector.
XIII. Sigismund Bathori Taler 1593 AU55 Details (Edge Filed) ANACS, Nagybanya mint, Dav-8804, Resch-142. Boldly struck, with well-defined device details showing almost no signs of wear. The surfaces are lightly toned, lending an aged appearance fitting for the type.
XIV. Sigismund Bathori Taler 1595 MS62 PCGS, Dav-8804, Resch-198. Obv. Armored half-length portrait of Sigismund right, holding scepter. Rev. Crowned arms with supporters and date in legend. An exceptional example, with near-flawless strike and lead-gray toning over lustrous surfaces. No significant flaws are noted. Rare in this Mint State condition. This is by far the finest example of this date we have seen. From the Feeling Good Collection
XV. Stephan Bocskai Taler 1605-NB VF30 Details (Edge Filed, Tooled) ANACS, Nagybánya mint, KM12, Dav-4691. A charming circulated piece with attractive well-defined details and a uniform silver tone that graces the surfaces. This is especially pronounced around the legends, providing a lovely visual frame for the central features. A scarce and sought-after type in high demand in any grade.
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