SWITZERLAND. Zurich. 4 Ducat, 1641. NGC AU-58.Fr-455 (plate coin); KM-63; HMZ-2-1135b. Three year type. Obverse: Lions hold wreaths over oval city arms, with tiny date appearing in the entablature below, all within the legend: "* MON * NO * REIPVBLI * THVRICENSIS"; Reverse: Finely feathered nimbate double eagle bears no shield within its circle while the outer legend prays: "DOMINE * CONSERVA * NOS * IN * PACE" (translated: "O Lord Preserve Us in Peace"). An intricately defined example of this <strong>VERY RARE</strong> multiple Ducat, which comes struck on a planchet that is slightly out of round, but still contains the entirety of the peripheral legends. Carefully preserved as well, the surfaces display minimal signs of handling, with no marks of any visual significance, and gorgeous reddish orange tone in the fields which imparts unique character over both sides. An offering of undeniable significance for the specialist, as any Swiss offering above 2 Ducat size is rare; plus, this coin serving as the plate image for the type in the universally used <em>Gold Coins of the World</em> by Arthur and Ira Friedberg can only further add to its desirability.
