In superficially scanning the Heritage Platinum Night Lot 34287, it seemed did not blend as well with the Platinum Night selection as it did not share the same exceptional quality you would typically find. However, in my time collecting Holy Roman Empire material, I have never seen a Rudolph II Kremnitz Mint (Hungary) Double Taler until coming across this lot. The heft of the coin which fits a thicker slab is felt immediately. Spoke to a friend prior to live auction in an attempt to price this piece realizing that there are no comps yet recognizing this coin may be a sleeper in terms of relative scarcity. We both decided to go for it while speaking by phone as the live bidding commenced. 3 bidders and no real fight for the coin. Tried searching, translating, across auction record and auction house sites only to come up with the same piece at the Frühwald auction in February 2015 where this exact coin was sold. The description did not give much in terms of scarcity - https://sixbid.com/browse.html?auction=1758&category=36703&lot=1558483 On March 2016... the same coin was PCGS slabbed and included in the Gorny and Mosch sale with a higher estimate which went unsold https://sixbid.com/browse.html?auction=2532&category=52975&lot=2150196 This auction description (Translated) gave much more information which tells the story behind this coin: HUNGARY Rudolf II, 1576 - 1612. Doppeltaler 1601 KB. Mzst. Kremnitz, Germany. 25.93 g. J. 296. Dav. 17. RRR! PCGS AU 50. Fine patina, strongly pronounced relief, vz ex early Frühwald A112 (02/2015), Lot no. 421 (Hammer: 13.500, -). To our knowledge, the only known specimen in private hands. "To our knowledge, the only known specimen in private hands" - I believe this to be a very unique addition to my collection, and while less "eye appealing", it is very scarce and can not be replaced with ease or at all. Research tools available on the web today allow for better information gathering and decision support. I am very pleased. Hopefully the bourse floor provides for additional opportunities to add to the core collection.
I'm looking left of the crown for like five minutes for some small "1601"--then, boom, there it is, big as life! I see why I missed it for that part that's covered.
Sixbid actually has the neat currency conversion of hammer price (to auction date). Since then the dollar has strengthened reducing the total amount.
Congratulations, that's great research before start bidding. Surely the coin cannot be 25.93g as this is a 2 Thaler ?
