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STACK'S BOWERS: MARCH 2026 MANHATTAN SALEStack's Bowers will be hosting their Manhattan Sale of Ancient & World Coins on March 26. Select items are discussed below. -Garrett 
DENMARK. 2 Speciedaler, 1747. Copenhagen Mint. Frederik V. NGC MS-65?. KM-563; Dav-1298; Hede-26; Sieg-17; Schou-11. Weight: 57.80 gms. Mintmaster: Ingeborg Maria Wineke. Engraver: Magnus Gustavus Arbien (A). A wonderful Gem with all the qualities of a true gemstone with multicolored flashes of beauty practically leaping from the superlatively lustrous surfaces; a scarce and impressive Double Taler in an unparalleled condition that is bound to excite competition. Although this type is often referred to as a coronation type, this is incorrect; following the introduction of absolute monarchy in 1660, Danish kings were not crowned, based on the principle that only God could crown the King. Instead, this type was struck to commemorate the King's anointing, which took place in the Chapel of Frederiksborg Castle on September 4, 1747.
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GERMANY. Bavaria. Gold 20 Mark Pattern, 1914-D. Munich Mint. Ludwig III. PCGS SPECIMEN-67. Sch-202/G2. EXTREMELY RARE in gold, this pattern issue has survived in absolutely stunning quality, with surfaces that are not only bursting with exceptional brilliance, but also present a charming cameo affect, pairing expertly frosted design motifs with highly gleaming fields. Not surprisingly, the single finest example of this issue certified by PCGS or NGC, and considering its near-flawless appearance, likely the single finest extant of this issue in gold.
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GREAT BRITAIN. Penny, ND (1135-45). Nottingham Mint; Swein, moneyer. Stephen. PCGS AU-50. S-1286. Legends on both sides erased from the dies. Sharply struck centers display full details to Stephen's portrait and reverse cross moline. Just a trace of wear, this is a particularly high grade and very attractive example of this rarity. Ex: Richard Plant Collection; Classical Numismatic Group (2021); The John P. Burnham Collection.
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GREAT BRITAIN. George III/Board of Agriculture Gold Award Medal, 1815. London Mint. PCGS SPECIMEN-61. BHM-Unlisted; Eimer-853. By C. H. Kuechler. Diameter: 48mm; Weight: 97.04 gms. Engraved and awarded to Charles Duncombe, Esq. Obverse: Laureate head of George III right; scroll below; all within wreath of laurel branches and grain ears; Reverse: Female personification standing right, holding serpent-entwined spade and mirror; pastoral scene in background with farm implements. A VERY RARE and exceedingly impressive large-sized gold award medal, this specimen was presented to the awarded by vote on 17 March 1815. Highly lustrous and prooflike, with an engaging cameo nature. Ex: Stack's (4/1989) Lot # 406; The John P. Burnham Collection.
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GREAT BRITAIN. Gold Ducat (100 Pence) Pattern, 1867. London Mint. NGC PROOF-66? Ultra Cameo. KM-PnH115; W&R-388 (R4). By L.C. Wyon. A true marvel to behold, this pattern Ducat sits at the summit of desirability for many reasons. Not only is it EXTREMELY RARE with a mintage estimate below 20 (and the only example certified with the Ultra Cameo designation!), but its quality is very likely unsurpassed as well. Add to that that it's a pattern for an exceptionally popular denomination that was never used by Great Britain and was issued during the reign of one of the most beloved monarchs in European history, and you reach a level of desirability that is almost never matched. As far as its presentation, it is truly world-class, with exquisite definition and refinement through the designs and consistent reflectivity in the fields that imparts a sublime gleam when rotated beneath a light. Faint traces of tone attest to the originality. Overall, a monumental item in all regards, and one that could certainly sit as the capstone of an elite collection of British coins, ducats, or gold types. Struck in response to the first International Monetary Conference that was held in Paris in 1867 with hopeful intent of uniting currencies throughout much of Europe and beyond on a single gold standard. Participants included Austria, Baden. Bavaria, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, France, Italy, the Netherlands, the Ottoman Empire, Portugal, Prussia, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Wurttemberg. While the initial takeaways of the conference were positive, the obstacles of integration ultimately became insurmountable.
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IRELAND. Dublin. Trinity College Gold Award Medal, 1909. PCGS SPECIMEN-65. cf. MI-158/138 (for an earlier version of the award); cf. Eimer-1453A (same). By West & Son. Weight: 31.05 gms. Engraved and awarded to Richard Cussen for ethics and logic. Obverse: Crowned and mantled bust of Elizabeth I facing slightly right, wearing elaborately ruffled collar; Reverse: Coat-of-arms of Trinity College; engraving around, including awardee's Latinized name: RICARDUS C. CUSSEN 1909. Staggeringly attractive and vibrant, this remarkable example do doubt deserves its Gem designation. Includes original box of issue. The Greystones Collection.
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ITALY. Sardinia. 5 Lire, 1836-P. Turin Mint. Carlo Alberto. NGC MS-65? Prooflike. Dav-136; KM-130; Pagani-240; Mont-114. NGC TOP POP. Engraver: Giuseppe Ferraris. This exceptional coin of scarcer date has strong, untouched details and a deep-blue patina over a mirrorlike luster - almost like looking into the ocean. Carlo Alberto was the penultimate king to bear the title, 'King of Jerusalem', a title going back to the Crusades.
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POLAND. Danzig. Taler, 1644-GR. Danzig Mint. Ladislaus IV. PCGS EF-45. H-Cz-9727. Struck with 10 Ducat dies. Featuring a wondrous veduta, or city view, of Danzig on the reverse, this lightly circulated crown presents an enchanting wholesome nature with only lightly scattered marks. Some deeper cabinet toning is present nearer the peripheries, allowing for great eye appeal. In addition, it stands as a great and impressive RARITY, on account of its donative aspect and manufacture using 10 Ducat dies rather than those normally used for the Talers. For a type that is certainly lacking from many advanced Polish cabinets, this exalted offering should generate tremendous enthusiasm and interest.
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TRANSYLVANIA. Taler, 1595. Nagybanya Mint. Sigismund Bathori. PCGS MS-61. Dav-8804. An ever-popular type, representing one of the most fascinating locations in Europe. Scarce in all grades, but especially so in Mint State, this is the sole MS-61 graded at PCGS, and there are just four graded higher at this service, three in MS-62 and an absolute gem MS-66+ (a remarkable survivor). The presently offered example offers a strong strike, almost mirroring the strength the portrait of Prince Sigismund Bathori presents. A half length armored bust shows the leader holding a scepter on the obverse and crowned arms on the reverse. Soft antique silver surfaces are generally smooth and pleasing for the assigned grade, though we note a scattered mark or two on the obverse. RARE so fine, this is a lovely coin that will take a position of prominence in the next collection it graces. The year 1595 was a busy one for Sigismund Bathori. Between executing as many members of the Diet as he could get his hands on and pursuing a war against the Turks, it's doubtful he had much time for social activities. Ex: The Greyhound Collection.
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