I.A Rare 10 Ducat of Transylvania as an Ottoman Vassal State Michael I Apafi gold 10 Ducat 1670-AF AU50 PCGS, Fogaras mint, KM403, Fr-430, Resch-79. An exceptional specimen of this very scarce issue, sharply struck with much residual luster evident in recessed areas. A smattering of small contact marks are noted throughout the obverse fields while the devices and most of the reverse have seemingly been spared. Having ruled Transylvania uncontested since 1662, Michael maintained the independence of his principality against the Holy Roman Empire through alliances with Hungarian rebels and the Ottoman Empire until the Ottomans were defeated at the walls of Vienna in 1683 and he was forced to conclude a treaty directly with Leopold I, completed just a few years prior to his death in 1690.
II. Sigismund Bathory silvered copper "Victory at Târgoviste and Recapture of Raab" Medal ND XF, Resch-20 (cf. Table 63) var., Julius-Unl. 78mm. 119.53gm. A highly historical issue created for the Battle of Târgoviste (1595) and the recapture of Raab (1598) as part of the "Long Turkish War", a conflict that arose between the Habsburg monarchy and the Ottomans over territorial disputes in the Principalities of Wallachia, Transylvania, and Moldavia. We believe this selection is a reproduction of the original issue but could locate no other examples of either the original or subsequent reproductions for comparison. Presumably very rare, and an intriguing medal for the historically-minded collector.
III. Sigismund Bathori Taler 1591 MS61 NGC, Nagybanya mint, Dav-8802. Featuring the armored bust of the Prince of Transylvania and crowned, supported arms, this magnificent crown-sized taler presents a bold appearance, with its imposing devices and fields draped in a fine pattern of die polish, the eye appeal arguably made complete by the near-perfect centering of the strike and a subtle graphite tone dressed over the surfaces.
IV. Gabriel Bathori gold Ducat 1613-NB MS62 NGC, Neustadt (Nagybanya) mint, KM74, Fr-332, Resch-191. A distinctive four-year type that was struck during the reign of Gabriel Bathori as the Prince of Transylvania. The current coin, the final year of issue for the type, was surely just struck in the months that preceded Gabriel's assassination on October 27, 1613, and as such, serves as an interesting historical marker of the end of an era. Struck on a lightly crinkled flan, as made, with an attractive juxtaposition of satiny central luster and shimmering mint brilliance at the peripheries.
V. Sigismund Bathory Taler 1595 AU55 NGC, Dav-8804, Resch-198. Obv. Armored half-length portrait of Sigismund right, holding scepter. Rev. Crowned arms with supporters and date in legend. A laudable example of this sought-after type, which finds itself contested whenever encountered in better states of preservation. Steel-toned and well-defined with an attractive lightening atop the higher points. Sigismund (1572-1613) Prince of Transylvania and of the Holy Roman Empire, was an eager fighter of the Turks but not everyone in noble Transylvania wished to pursue this route. He won and, in the year this coin was struck, engaged in a wholesale revenge against those who opposed him, having them all executed.
VI. Sigismund Bathori Taler 1594 XF Details (Obverse Spot Removed), Dav-8804, Resch-181 var. Well struck, with light gray toning and surfaces displaying only minor marks. A very nice example of this scarce Taler. Sigismund, born in 1572, was prince of this ancient land in central Romania but also a prince of the Holy Roman Empire who was always eager to fight the "infidel" Turks, and later the Poles. He died at Prague in 1613 after losing numerous homeland internal political battles, in retreat from his beloved Transylvania.
VII. Sigismund Bathory Taler 1595 XF40 NGC, Dav-8804, Resch-198. Obv. Armored half-length portrait of Sigismund right, holding scepter. Rev. Crowned arms with supporters and date in legend. Sigismund (1572-1613) Prince of Transylvania and of the Holy Roman Empire, was an eager fighter of the Turks but not everyone in noble Transylvania wished to pursue this route. He won and, in the year this coin was struck, engaged in a wholesale revenge against those who opposed him and had them all executed. Represented here on this large silver piece in intricate detail, lightly worn to the high points in line with the grade but otherwise very sharp and handsomely toned. Scarce with this level of visual appeal.
VIII. Sigismund Bathori Taler 1594 XF45 ANACS, Dav-8804, Resch-181 var. Well struck, with light gray toning and surfaces displaying only minor marks. A very nice example of this scarce Taler. Sigismund, born in 1572, was prince of this ancient land in central Romania but also a prince of the Holy Roman Empire who was always eager to fight the "infidel" Turks, and later the Poles. He died at Prague in 1613 after losing numerous homeland internal political battles, in retreat from his beloved Transylvania.
IX. Sigismund Bathori gold Ducat 1597-NB MS63 NGC, Nagybanya mint. Fr-297, Resch-217, Huszár-112. Obv. SIGISMVND * * BATHORI • *, The Madonna seated facing on lunette, holding Holy Infant. Rev. S * LADISLAVS REX *, St. Ladislaus standing slightly right, holding axe and orb. Sharply struck, slightly off-center on the reverse, with an exceptional appeal brought about by bold devices set against glistening golden surfaces. This type is scarce in any grade, but especially so with this degree of appeal and preservation. Sigismund was elected Price of Transylvania at the early age of nine. When he was 16, he was advised to oppose the Ottomans in order to preserve his country's independence. He later abdicated and tried, without success, to reclaim his throne, being rebuked by Michael the Brave each time.
X. Joseph II gold 2 Ducat 1769 E-HG AU55 NGC, Karlsburg mint, KM1860. Minimal wear with a strong portrait of the Emperor. Karlsburg is located in Transylvania.
XI. Sigismund Bathori Taler 1590 MS61 NGC, Nagybanya mint, Dav-8802. The first regular-issue machine struck crown issue for Transylvania, this exceedingly pleasing, Mint State example offers lustrous, problem-free surfaces and an appealing strike. Exceptionally elusive as a type when located this fine.
XII. Gabriel Bethlen gold Ducat 1621-NB MS63 NGC, Nagybánya mint, KM140, Fr-367, Resch-75. Obv. Bareheaded, draped, and mantled bust right, wearing high collar. Rev. The Madonna seated facing on crescent, holding scepter and Holy Infant. The highest graded example of the date by either service, this wondrously choice piece offers lustrous surfaces and a stunning, superb strike. Every detail is impressively presented, from the closely cropped stubble on Gabriel's nearly shaven head to the ornate embroidery on the Madonna's garment. A light golden-orange tone highlights the devices, adding further charm and elegance. A hint of minor flan waviness is observed, but in no way distracts from its appearance. Emanating from the region of the Carpathian Mountains and the fabled principality of Transylvania, whose series of coinage from the 16th-17th centuries has long been popular with the numismatic community, this exceptional piece is sure to add an interesting piece of history to any collection.
XIII. Gabriel Bethlen Taler 1621-KB AU53 PCGS, Kremnitz mint, KM134, Dav-4710, Resch-81. Lightly toned and sharply struck, this piece exhibits a minimal amount of even wear. The degree of detail contained within Bethlen's armor is extraordinary. A wholly impressive and attractive example from the Principality of Transylvania.
XIV. Gabriel Bethlen gold Ducat 1622-KB AU55 NGC, Kremnitz mint, KM128, Fr-358. An enchanting issue from the principality of Transylvania, this ducat features the armored bust of the prince along with the Madonna and child. A fairly scarce and always popular type, this specimen is lightly toned and well struck, and has only a light degree of planchet waviness.
XV. Stephan Bocskai gold 10 Ducat 1605 AU58 NGC, Uncertain mint, KM18, Fr-305, Huszar (Siebenbürgen)-171, Resch-3. A magnificent example of this great rarity, more likely exhibiting its light wear from handling and display rather than circulation, considering the tremendous buying power a piece such as this would have had. The fields bear numerous minuscule marks commensurate with the aforementioned handling and the devices light friction along the highpoints. Few planchet flaws are noted, slightly unusual for a large gold coin of this period, but the die break found on most extant examples of this issue in the center reverse is well-advanced. All-in-all, a superior offering of this type and one which demands the attention of the enthusiasts of Transylvanian gold. Ex. Lawrence Adams Collection, CNG (Triton XIX, January 2016, Lot 2675) Although he reigned over Transylvania for a relatively short time, Stephan Bosckai's influence was profound. Just prior to his ascent, the Hapsburgs had begun a violent counter-reformation in Hungary and Transylvania. In league with the Ottoman Empire, he was able to lead an army of Hajdúk to victory in the field bringing the Hapsburg Monarchy to the negotiating table, concluding with the Treaty of Vienna which guaranteed constitutional and religious rights to all citizens of both Transylvania and Hungary. Within six months following, the Hapsburgs also made peace with the Ottoman Empire ending the "Long Turkish War." This piece, minted in the midst of Bocskai's insurrection, is clear in its statement of nationalism, the reverse legend translating to: "It is sweet to die for your country."
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