Prussia. Friedrich III gold 20 Mark 1888-A, KM516, Fr-3828, AU58 NGC. Some circulation marks on the obverse, but the reverse is particularly sharp and with few marks. Realized $411.25. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
Republic of China. Sun Yat-sen 20 Cents Year 16 (1927), KM-Y340, L&M-847, MS63 NGC. Dappled toning over full, original mint luster, with a bold strike and no mentionable flaws. The facing portrait on the obverse is Dr. Sun Yat-sen. He is often referred to as the father of the Republic of China and is one of the few individuals revered in both mainland China and Taiwan. Scarce in Mint State. Realized $3,407.50. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
French Canada. Louis XV copper Jeton?1755, Lecompte-150, Br-515, Betts-390, MS62 Brown NGC. Obv. Draped bust right with script FM below. Rev. The vessel of the Argonauts. The details are bold, and a few tiny obverse flan flaws are seen. Realized $616.88. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
French Canada. Louis XV silver Jeton 1754, Lecompte 134-variety with laureate bust, Betts-389, XF Details (Scratches) NGC. This example has a rather scowling portrait facing right, with B. DUVIV below, and the normal beaver reverse. This piece is also struck with medal axis. Scratches are noted on both the obverse and reverse. Ex: ?Colonel? E.H.R. Green; Green Estate? Partnership of Eric P Newman / B.G. Johnson. Realized $1,410.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
Republic gold 1/2 Escudo 1856-FJ, KM113, MS62 NGC. Sharply struck details on both sides with soft original toning. One small mark appears below the bust. Very scarce grade for this type. Ex: ?Colonel? E.H.R. Green; Green Estate? Partnership of Eric P Newman / B.G. Johnson. Realized $499.38. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
Franz Joseph I gold 4 Ducats 1906, KM2276, Fr-487, MS64 NGC. Drastically contrasted between the fields and motifs with few distractions. An imposing coin. Realized $3,965.63. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
Franz Rakoczi gold Ducat 1705-KV, Klausenburg mint. KM530, Fr-478, AU55 NGC. Minted at Kolovar. Obv. Crowned cartouche with coat of arms of Transylvania with Rakoczi arms atop. Rev. Palm tree surrounded by three hills, K-V and date divided. Struck during the revolt against Austria by Franz Rakoczi, and it was affectionately termed a "Palm Ducat" because of the focal design. One of the more impressive types of this period. The latin legend, "TANDEM OPPRESSA RESVRGET", loosely translated, "though pressed, he rises", confirms this symbolism. The present example, one of only three or four to appear publicly in the past decade, is particularly choice for the assigned grade, with even orange-gold surfaces, no visible abrasive contact and barely a wisp of slight friction on the highpoints. The strike, while not completely full, doesn't obscure intended detail and naturally gives a semi-undulating appearance in the design-free areas. All in all, a rare example of this impressive type that yields a wonderfully story and visually leaves little to be desired. Franz Rakoczi was born in 1676 into a Hungarian aristocrat family and in time would become an accomplished military leader for Hungary, leading an uprising against the Habsburgs that began in 1703 and lasted until 1711. During this period, Rakoczi, with the French-Bavarian armies as allies, led the cause for Hungarian independence from Austria. In 1704, Rakoczi began his reign as Prince of Transylvania and in September of 1705, he was elected Ruling Prince of Hungary. Peace talks began in 1705, with the sovereignty of Transylvania being a primary stumbling block on an agreement. While he saw numerous military successes up until 1706, the financial burdens of war eventually began to catch up and his military presence began to dwindle. At the Battle of Trencs?n in 1708, Rakoczi fell from his horse and was thought dead. As a result much of his army defected and took an oath of allegiance to the Emperor. With a diminished army, Rakoczi's held territory became increasingly limited and in 1711, he fled to Poland. Because of his noble actions, Rakoczi is today considered a national hero in Hungary. Ex: ?Colonel? E.H.R. Green; Green Estate? Partnership of Eric P Newman / B.G. Johnson. Realized $18,212.50. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
Gustaf IV Adolf Riksdaler 1796-OL, KM544, Dav-1738, MS66 NGC. A stunningly beautiful coin with bold features and rich cabinet patina. The surfaces are virtually blemish-free and are fully brilliant. Easily the nicest we have seen of this type and perhaps the finest known. Very rare in this superb quality. Realized $7,050.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
Johan III Daler 1575, Stockholm mint, SM-25, Dav-8705, XF45 NGC. A splendid example of this early Daler with exceptionally sharp design features and rich cabinet patina. The surfaces display a reflective sheen which only increases the extraordinary eye appeal. A classic 16th century crown. Johan III was the second son of Gustaf Vasa and was Duke of Finland from 1556-1563 when he was imprisoned for opposing his brother, Eric XIV. After the demise of Erik, Johan III became King in 1568 and ruled until his death in 1592. Realized $5,287.50. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
Gustav Vasa Mark 1559, Stockholm mint, SM-120, MS62 NGC. Razor sharp details with subtle silvery-gray toning; very rare grade for this sixteenth century issue. The obverse displays a crowned portrait of Gustav facing right with a long pointed beard. The emergence of the Vasa family eventually led to a powerful State which controlled large portions of northern Europe and the Baltic regions in the 1600s. Realized $3,055.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.