SWITZERLAND. Zurich. Gold Medallic 12 Ducats, 1672-HIB. Zurich Mint, Mint Master: Hans Jakob Bullinger (Jr.). PCGS Genuine--Damage, Unc Details Gold Shield.41.50 gms. SM-384; Forrer-Vol. I pg. 308; Forrer-Vol. VII Supplement pg. 135/36. Obverse: Victory stands facing right, clasping hands and embracing Care who stands facing left, stork (Steadfastness) stands right, various military weapons below; Reverse: Two hands clasped together, holding the sacred heart within a ribbon, rays above and two birds below. An EXTREMELY RARE medallic issue that is apparently an unpublished die pairing. Cleaned long ago as was common for such an issue now lightly toned. A small planchet crack on the obverse mentioned for accuracy at nine oclock. The noted defect of damage on the PCGS insert is difficult to locate, but could stem from a few minor hit marks in the fields and devices coupled with a small well placed scratch on the reverse across the birds. Either way the damage seems to be insignificant and difficult to find. Overall despite its shortcomings an attractive survivor of the type with lots of finely engraved details in high relief. A real prize for the advanced collector destine to see spirited bidding. Includes original custom fitted screw top box Taler by the same engraver, HIB, who was known for producing marriage medals. The obverse of the case is a city view of a known design by HIB; Reverse: Woman seated left holding child, flanked by two children on both sides. The open areas of the case have been chased as was a common practice for cast medals and cases. On the inside of the case is displayed two finely engraved coats of arms presumably those of the joining couple. According to Biographical Dictionary of Medallists by L. Forrer, this engraver is known to have produced at least five different marriage medals. The obverse side die appears combined with different reverses, but the reverse in this instance seems to be unpublished.
