Romania: Carol I gold Specimen Pattern 20 Lei 1868 SP63 Deep Cameo PCGS,...

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Famed Choice Rarity of the Romanian Series

Carol I gold Specimen Pattern 20 Lei 1868 SP63 Deep Cameo PCGS, KM-Pn12, cf. Schäffer/Stambuliu-10.1.1. Without the 'c' mintmark in exergue. Plain edge. One of the most celebrated rarities in all of Romanian numismatics and the single finest piece known at either major grading service, with a lesser example selling in our January 2024 NYCINC auction for $336,000 all-in. Prior to that, this type was last seen in May 2014 when Baldwin's sold an uncertified, lightly scratched example from the Åke Lindén collection, realizing $110,000 plus buyer's premium. The present offering earns a Choice designation due in part to its great surface quality, whereas the two previous examples noted showcase more pronounced wisps. Further elevating this specimen are highly frosted Deep Cameo surfaces and immaculately preserved devices that evince virtually no rub and that ooze opulence from the freshly polished dies. This is perfectly centered with no detracting marks or rim imperfections. 100 minted but far fewer are estimated to survive, with those in major collections and museums typically faring as "circulated," with the current example as the finest this cataloger is aware of.

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.

From the Carpathian Collection of Romanian Coins

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 22mm
AGW: 0.1867oz

View all of [The Carpathian Collection of Romanian Coins ]

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