Denmark. Gold 2 Ducats, 1673. Fr-198; Hede-3. 6.90 grams. Christian V, 1670-1699. Crowned monogram of Christian. Reverse: Elephant advancing left, with tower on back and goaded by Moor; date below. Small planchet defect at 6 o'clock. Some marks, but this is an extraordinarly well cared for piece, well made with great detail and much residual luster. Few survived so fine! Very rare. NGC graded MS-62. Estimated Value $20,000 - UP
There are many "elephant" coin collectors, so this coin is both highly elusive and avidly sought after. It is believed that this issue was produced as a special award to those few members of Denmark's highest chivalric order, the Order of the Elephant. The watchtower on the elephant's back stood for purity. A marvelous piece.
Ex Millennia, Lot 533
Goldberg's Auction 59, lot 2883
The Peh Family Collection.