Kristof Bathory gold 10 Ducat 1577 UNC Details (Reverse Repaired) NGC, Fr-279, Horsky-5194, Montenuovo-144, Resch-2. Fully uncirculated, with a profoundly lustrous character matching splendidly preserved detail. Resch notes two variations of the 1577 10 Ducat, with the second described as being of generally finer style and containing other minute variations, such as a smaller crown. The present offering is of this second type. Distinctive mint brilliance decorates the flan, glimmering alluringly upon inspection and bathing the precisely struck devices in golden light. Indeed, the only flaw of note is alluded to on the holder insert--a minor reverse "repair" that takes the form of light hairlining in a section of the fields, perhaps more accurately described as very light tooling. In either case this offering remains wonderful to behold, and it goes without saying that such a coin will add considerable prestige to whatever collection it ultimately enters. Kristof, the elder brother of Stephen Bathory, was placed on the Transylvanian throne by Stephen as his regent, and subsequently was elected his successor by the Transylvanian Diet after Stephen was elected King of Poland. Although he assumed the title of Vaivoda (roughly "military governor"), Kristof never utilized the title on his coins, and supposedly refrained from using the title of Prince due to his recognition of his brother's rule over Transylvania. In this light, it is very likely that the reverse legend, Virtus Unita Valet ("Virtue United Prevails"), was meant to underline this important relationship between the two brothers.

HID09801242017

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