HUNGARY. Goldgulden, 1539. Klausenburg Mint. Johannes Zapolya (1526-40). NGC AU-50.Fr-42. In 1526, the Ottomans crushed the Hungarian army and killed the king at the battle of Mohacs, but did not follow up with effective occupation. Ferdinand of Austria claimed the vacant throne but John Zapolya, governor of Transylvania, was on the spot with an army and filled the void. After nearly continuous warfare between the Austrians, the Turks and Johns Transylvanians, he ceded the throne to the Hapsburgs on his death without issue in 1540. This goldgulden type was struck for a number of years but is today <strong>VERY SCARCE</strong>. This example shows a little wear, but is fully struck and quite decent.NGC AU-50.
