Transylvania: Sigismund Rákóczi gold 10 Ducats 1607,...

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A Very Rare Multiple Ducat of Sigismund Rákóczi

Sigismund Rákóczi gold 10 Ducats 1607, KM44, Fr-323, AU55 NGC. A stunning example of this type. The strike is well-executed on a broad flan with only one minor, visible flaw at 5 o'clock on the obverse. Slight doubling is noted in the legends of the upper-left obverse quadrant and a couple of tiny nicks are present in the obverse fields, remarkably few for gold coin of this size and age. Luster remains in protected areas, particularly on the reverse dated in Roman numerals around a verse eschewing the mercy of God.

Sigismund was elected Prince of Transylvania in February of 1607 following the death of Stephen Bocskay in opposition to the candidates desired by the Hapsburgs and Ottomans. He was an able governor and administrator, but was forced to resign in March of 1608 by Gabriel Báthory to prevent an internal conflict involving Hajduks who had been unpaid for their service to Bocskay. Very rare, our research has yielded records of only three distinct specimens (including this one) sold at auction in the past decade and none since 2008. This multiple ducat presents an uncommon opportunity for the specialist in Transylvanian issues.
From the collection of Donald E. Bently, sold for the benefit of the Bently Foundation

Metal: Gold
Weight: 35g
AGW: 1.1095oz

View all of [The Collection of Donald E. Bently, sold for the benefit of the Bently Foundation ]

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