Matthias II gold 10 Ducat 1612 MS62 NGC, Vienna mint, KM155 (Rare), Fr-89 (Very Rare, listed as "No Date"), Horsky-Unl. 34.93gm. Struck from Taler dies (cf. Dav-3041, KM144). Inestimably rare in this conditional preservation, and likely one of the finest survivors of the type, featuring the smaller, crowned bust of Holy Roman Emperor Matthias II. Friedberg appears somewhat inconsistent in his listing of the type, plating an example of this very issue for Fr-97 and Fr-97a (1612 20 Ducat and 1610 10 Ducat, respectively). The cited reference number, Fr-89, lists an undated 10 Ducat. Regardless of any incompleteness, all of these issues are noted as "Very Rare," and auction records fully confirm this, with only a handful having been auctioned in the last two decades; of those, none were finer than the present specimen. Dazzling with radiance at every turn, this well-struck offering presents strong definition throughout the majority of its designs, with only a small portion of softness visible in the lower section of the inner reverse border. The centrally positioned dies yield an even rim to serve as an impressive visual frame to the central motifs, and while faint hairlines preclude a finer designation, they are not distracting in the least. Clearly a specimen of stellar quality, currently the sole example of the type certified by NGC, and an offering that would be exceedingly difficult to surpass.

HID09801242017

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