Poland: Livonian Order. Gotthard Kettler gold Double Gulden (2-3/8 Ducat) ND (1559-61) XF45 NGC,...

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Apr 15, 2016 for:

$64,625.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

The Waning of the Livonian Order

Livonian Order. Gotthard Kettler gold Double Gulden (2-3/8 Ducat) ND (1559-61) XF45 NGC, likely Riga mint, Fr-7, Neumann-285. GOTHARD * D * | * G * MAGIS * LIVON, the Duke's armored half-bust right, a sword in his right hand and his left resting upon a skull / MARIA * FILI | SERVA * NOS, quartered arms surmounted by two crested helmets with Christ upon the cross in the background. Extremely rare, this last gold issue of the Livonian Order is remarkably preserved, with minimal weakness of strike and traces of residual luster in protected areas. The reverse arms are sharply rendered and the slightly macabre portrait of Gotthard is excellent.
Ex. Künker (January 2010, Auction 163, Lot 1)

Gotthard Kettler was the last Master of the Livonian Order and, following their defeat by Russian forces under Ivan the Terrible at the Battle of Ergeme in 1560, oversaw their secularization and the creation of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia under the protection of Sigismund II August of Poland. Courland was located in the southern portion of the Livonian Order's former lands and Gotthard ruled it as the first duke until his death in 1587.

View Certification Details from NGC