Sigismund I / Zygmunt I Stary (1506-1548)
Presentation 10 Ducats/Talar koronny medalowy, 1533, 35.15g. 37.8mm. Torun/Thorn. Struck from the dies of the First Polish Talar on a cast flan. Crowned and armored bust of Sigismund I within an ornate wreath adorned with the shields of Poland, Lithuania, Prussia, Red Russia and Austria; SIGISM o-o P o REX o PO-LONIE.M-D o LITHV-&: 1533. Rev. Smaller, crowned and armored bust of his son Sigismund August II within a wreath adorned with the shields of Poland, Lithuania, Prussia, Red Russia and Milano; SIG:AVG:-SECVND-:FILIVS:-REX.PO-LON: & C. The Milanese shield honors Sigismund August's mother Bona Sforza, Duchess of Bari and Princess of Rossano, daughter of Gian Galeazzo Sforza, sixth Duke of Milano (Kop.442 - R8, Gum. 496 - RR). Accompanied by the original collection roundel in v. Chelminski's hand. Excessively rare and Important, Poland's first 10 Ducat coin struck from the dies for Poland's first Talar. Only known example in private hands and likely unique. Minute punchmark on edge at 12:00. Very Fine. Estimate Value $500,000 - UP
Ex Alicia and Sid Belzberg Collection, Stack's, Rosemont, Illinois, April 24, 2008, lot 1004;
Ex Henry V. Karolkiewicz Collection, CNG Triton Sale IV, December 2000, lot 2096. Comes with tag;
Ex Sigismund von Chelminski Collection, v. Chelminski Sale, O. Helbing, April 1904, lot 59.