Coins DIG

The leading auctioneer of coins, stamps, medals and banknotes, Spink, is to hold Auction 7030, which will take place in London on November 28th, 2007. Several ancient coins, English and foreign coins, as well as commemorative medals will be presented at the auction.

The star of the auction will be an extremely rare Austrian Gold Coin 15 Ducats. It is worth mentioning that large denomination gold coins, minted for presentation, mostly at court, have achieved their highest point in Austria during the reign of Emperor Ferdinand II (1619-1657) and his son Ferdinand III.

Such coins like Austrian Gold 15 Ducats were considered prestige coins and were usually minted from dies, which in their turn were created for the broad Double Taler, which is a silver coin. The prestige coin had different thicknesses and weights in gold, in accordance with certain numbers of gold ducats.

One of the most common denominations is Ten Ducats. These coins, however, are popular and in most cases realize high prices. A 15 Ducats coin is almost unknown.

An example of this denomination can be found in the Austrian state museum, the Wiener Munzkabinett. Another example can be spotted in the legendary Spöttl collection.

The 15 Ducats denomination is very rare. There were only 8 pieces of 10 Ducats of Ferdinand III in the Rudolf Just collection, however, there were no 15 Ducats. One example was in the Wiener Munzkabinett, and another example was found in the Spottl collection.

Coin Description

The 15 Ducats Gold Coin was minted at Graz mint in 1641, having the date 1641 over 39 and without the mark of the mint master. In short: Austria, Emperor Ferdinand III (1637-1657), weight 51.97g.

The obverse of the coin includes: laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, date below shoulder and wearing order of the Golden Fleece. The inscription is: FERDINANDVS III D G ROM IMP SEM AV GER HVNG BO REX, around. Coin's reverse includes crowned oval garnished arms found within Collar of the Golden Fleece. The inscription is: ARCHI AVSTRIAE DVX BURGVNDIAE STYRIAE.

Spink

The company was founded in 1666. It holds 3 royal warrants and various records for prices attained at auction. Spink has its headquarters located in London. It holds more than 35 auctions a year worldwide.