Our highly anticipated annual auction held in conjunction with the New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC) will begin on Friday, January 13. One of specialized collections that will generate tremendous enthusiasm is the Taraszka Collection, which includes some 30 Polish rarities that do not come on the market with any degree of frequency. This stunning array of majestic and important coins will be sold on Sunday, January 15, with the session starting at 3pm EST. It is rather difficult to pick just one highlight from among these treasures, but lot 42008 stands out from the others, bearing the highest estimate – $250,000 to $350,000.
Produced at the elusive Malbork mint in 1593 likely as a donative issue, this 10 Ducats features the crowned and robed bust of Sigismund III, with his ruffled collar encircling his neck. The reverse displays an equally intricate complex coat-of-arms, with the final two digits of the year (93) clear at the end of the legend. Though it may seem odd that the full four digits of the date were not utilized, at the time, the “15” did not need to be stated, as it would be clear that “1593” was the date implied.
Given that we were unable to locate any other example of this type and date, it is indeed quite likely that no others survive to this day—attesting to its extreme rarity and great historical importance. Graded by PCGS as AU details, its only slight detraction is some cleaning—hardly a point of concern given its substantive resumé. In a Polish series that is full of great standouts, we expect this tremendous coin, like the rest of its brethren in the impressive Taraszka Collection, to attract a lot of excitement. The session promises to be an event, drawing attention from serious bidders, as well as those wishing to view these seldom seen items.
To view our upcoming auction schedule and future offerings, please visit StacksBowers.com where you may register and participate in this and other forthcoming sales.
We are always seeking coins, medals, and paper money for our future auctions, and are currently accepting submissions for our Spring 2023 Hong Kong auction and our August 2023 Global Showcase auction. Additionally, we are accepting submissions for our Collectors Choice Online (CCO) auctions, the next of which will be held in February 2023, and the next for which we are accepting submissions will be in May 2023. If you would like to learn more about consigning, whether a singular item or an entire collection, please contact one of our consignment directors today and we will assist you in achieving the best possible return on your material.
