Maria Theresa gold 5 Ducat 1759 MS61+ NGC, Karlsburg mint, cf. KM632 (struck with 1/2 Taler dies), Fr-529 (under Hungary; not pictured, though likely also from 1/2 Taler dies), Horsky-Unl., cf. Resch-60 (same), Herinek-36 (same). 17.42gm. A rare variant of the 5 Ducat issue unlisted in Resch, Herinek, and the Standard Catalog of World Coins, struck with taler dies rather than the "usual" (though still very rare) 1/2 taler dies employed in the standard production of the type. Only adding to its interest, a comparison to the 1759 Karlsburg Konventionstaler shows clear die variations, including an obverse legend that ends in "RE•" rather than "REG•," indicated for the type in the Standard Catalog and Davenport. This, then, leads to the conclusion that this fascinating issue represents a unique issuance, produced with dies that are particular to this type, and resulting in a much broader format than the regular issue, which conforms to a 1/2 taler diameter. The rarity of the present piece is without question--Tassilo Eypeltauer could only locate a single example in the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, with this type also missing from the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. Clearly preserved within the bounds of Mint State, the offering contains an abundance of shimmering luster that serves as a backdrop for devices that have been struck to exacting standards--a fact that should perhaps come as no surprise given the absolute minimal use of the dies employed in its production. No matter what its enigmatic history, this important relic of Austro-Transylvanian numismatics will be regarded as a treasured centerpiece for many years to come. Ex. Künker Auction 91 (March 2004, Lot 7835)

HID09801242017

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