GERMANY. Cologne. 6 Ducats, ND (ca. 1620). NGC EF Details--Repaired, Countermarked. Fr-758; KM-308. "Three Kings" or "Ursula" type. Weight: 19.32 gms. Obverse: IASPAR MELCHIO PET BALTASAR, the three kings/wise men/magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar), each standing facing around coat-of-arms, holding scepters, and their gifts to be given to Christ (gold, frankincense, and myrrh); O HELI COL in exergue; Reverse: SANGVIE HI ROSEO REGNA VICERE SVPENA, ship with two banners bearing the Pope, St. Ursula, and 11,000 virgins on their pilgrimage to Rome; C S countermark applied across the hull of ship. A later example of the previous type in the sale, this specimen exhibits the same charming and powerful iconography. The countermark would appear to be a much later application, though it does not get in the way of the overall artistry. The exact meaning or use of these VERY RARE items is not fully understood, though it is likely that they were struck on request by wealthy individuals for votive and worship purposes. As many were then repurposed as jewelry, either contemporarily or at some point thereafter, it is no surprise that they are encountered with one issue or another. For these iconic pieces, their mere survival is the key facet to be celebrated.
