Basel. City gold 10 Ducat ND (after 1700) MS63 Prooflike NGC, Fr-72a, HMZ-Unl., cf. Divo-742 (for reverse design), Haller-II-1296, cf. Ewig-722 (there, in 6 Ducat weight), Wunderly-Unl. 34.26gm. A rare medallic issue depicting L. Munatius Plancus, a Roman senator and consul who proposed the title of "Augustus" (revered one) be granted to Octavian. As the founder of Augusta Raurica, the oldest known Roman colony on the Rhine, located in the vicinity of Basel, he is often considered the founder of that city, and thus is celebrated to the obverse of this issue. Fully struck, with great detail visible across Plancus's armor and ornate texturing expressed within the reverse basilisk motif, the legends similarly sharp and serving as a pleasing peripheral border to the central designs. Scintillating luster careens over the fields, which display a pleasing sun-gold hue and significant reflectivity to earn the specimen a "Prooflike" designation. A great rarity, and the only example certified by NGC to date. Ex. Hess-Divo Auction 297 (October 2003, Lot 177); Adolph Hess Auction 245 (1976, Lot 388)

HID09801242017

© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website