Our previews of marvelous European gold coins continues with this week’s highlight from the August ANA World Coin auction. The Canton of Bern in Switzerland produced this lovely multiple ducat, which pairs well with last week’s gorgeous Nurnberg City View 4 Ducats and the Fine Sovereign of Mary from the week before. The founding of the city of Bern is attributed to Berthold V, Duke of Zahringen in the year 1191. Local legend states that Duke Berthold vowed to name the city after the first animal that crossed his path during his next hunt. That animal turned out to be a bear, and so the bear became the heraldic representation on the seal and coat of arms of Bern from at least 1220. Additionally, the city would keep live bears in a Bärengraben "Bear Pit" at the edge of the old city dating back to the 15th century.
The aforementioned heraldic bear dominates the obverse design: a bear walks with its front right paw raised along a diagonal band on a crowned shield between laurel sprays. The legend states: "RESPUBLICA BERNENSIS" or Republic of Bern. The reverse features a simpler design: the outer legend states: "BENEDICTUS SIT IEHOVA DEUS" (Blessed be Jehovah God). The inner design is a laurel wreath enclosing a three line inscription: "IV / DUCAT / 1798" (stating the denomination and date). A four petaled rosette marks the start and finish of the outer legend. This example is the more elusive of two known dates (1796 and 1798), and is quite exceptional, displaying sharp strike quality throughout the heraldry. The stunning prooflike fields and lovely orange tone make this piece worthy of the most sophisticated collection.
While we are no longer accepting consignments for our August 2018 ANA Auction, we are accepting consignments for our October 2018 Collector’s Choice Online Auction and the January 2019 New York International Auction. In addition, we are taking consignments of Chinese and other Asian coins and currency for our April 2019 Hong Kong Showcase Auction. If you are interested in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a single rarity) contact one of our consignment directors.
