GERMANY. Silesia-Munsterberg-Oels. 2 Ducats, ND (1565). Johann. NGC EF-40. Fr-3232A (plate coin). Of the highest rarity and thought to be UNIQUE. Dotted circle holds large bust left of the Duke (deceased 1536) in court dress and soft cap flanked by PA - TER, Father, legend "KAROLVS. D.G. DVX. MVNSTERBERGENSIS"; Reverse: Tall, long-bearded robed bust left dividing FIL - IVS, Son, legend "IOHANNES. D.G. DVX. MVNS. SYL. OLS. COM. GLAC". Struck on a planchet that shows somewhat uneven surfaces as so often seen on thinner gold coins of the era, but the rich detail presents the remarkable portraiture at its finest. The piece exhibits a complementary combination of pale gold color atop of the devices and in the most open areas with honey-gold tone in the fields and crevasses and hints of orange throughout. This moderately worn survivor is quite charming and pleasing to the eye, an issue destine for a fine cabinet of an advanced collector sure to see spirited bidding.emHere is another super rarity of one of the surviving sovereign branches of the Silesian Duchies, whose independence were being steadily whittled away by their powerful Habsburg neighbors. This often-embattled region of Central Europe provides a significant number of Gold rarities, which are natural targets for the interest of collectors./em Ex: Stacks (1/2008) Lot # 2782.
