BOHEMIA. Joachimsthal. St. Isaiah/Jesus in Manger Gold Medallic 4 Ducats, 1552. PCGS Genuine--Tooled, EF Details Gold Shield. GPH-Unlisted; cf. Donebauer-4381 (silver); cf. Markl-2205 (same). Weight: 13.52 gms. By Wolfgang Roll. Obverse: POPVLVS QVI AMBVLABAT IN TENEBRIS VIDIT LVCEM MAGNAM ESA 9 (the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light</em>, --adapted from Isaiah 9:2), half-length bust of St. Isaiah, with pointed cap and scepter, facing slightly left within archway; guard standing to outer left and right; Reverse: MA 2 CA NATVS EST NOBIS SALVATOR QVI EST CRIST DNS IN CIVI DAVI (today there is born unto us a Savior who is Christ the Lord, --adapted Matthew 2), Mary and Joseph kneeling before cradle bearing the infant Christ; all within elaborate manger with ox and donkey; in background, shepherd tending to flock of sheep. Designed in the tradition of the many religious-themed medals emanating from 16th century Bohemia, this incredibly captivating and alluring piece has the added advantage of being struck in gold--quite unusual and possibly UNIQUE--while also remaining in great condition, the noted tooling notwithstanding. For the collector of these powerful and moving pieces, or world gold coins and medals in general, this engaging specimen is undoubtedly a must and will garner tremendous enthusiasm. Ex: Stacks (1/2008) Lot # 2421.Ex: Kunker 80 (3/2003) Lot # 645.
