Romania: Carol I gold Proof Pattern 20 Lei 1868 PR62 Ultra Cameo NGC,...

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Powerful Proof Pattern 20 Lei of 1868

Carol I gold Proof Pattern 20 Lei 1868 PR62 Ultra Cameo NGC, KM-Pn12, cf. Stamb-10.1.1. (without the 'c' mintmark in exergue). Plain edge. The key rarity to Romanian series and presently the sole graded example in the NGC census. Last time this type was seen in an public auction was in May 2014 when Baldwin's sold an uncertified, seemingly lightly scratched example from the Åke Lindén collection realizing $110,000 plus buyer's premium. The present offering, objectively superior in eye-appeal, admits faint wisps and scattered marks to the otherwise fully brilliant fields that maintain near-black appearance contrasting the thick golden frost of the raised motifs. Certainly of immense rarity, currently the finest certified of the surviving population, and we anticipate it will take many years before the next opportunity emerges.

The story of this intriguing emission per Schäffer and Stambuliu is very powerful, as it was commissioned in great secrecy from dies abroad and issued as a symbol of Romania's monetary sovereignty and independence against the wishes of the Ottoman Empire. Not only does it carry Carol I's effigy as the chief of the Romanian State, but the legend CAROL I DOMNULU ROMÂNILORU translates to "Carol I Ruler of Romanians" and this caused an uproar from the Ottomans. In the wake of much protest against these signs of defiance and apparent ambitions of national independence, the Romanian Government stopped the minting and brought into country only 100 of the Proof coins. It is purported that Carol deposited about 50 pieces at the foundation of the Peles Castle, and gave the rest to his Government minsters and his personal friends.

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 22mm
AGW: 0.1867oz

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