AUSTRIA. Salzburg. 5 Ducat, 1513. Leonhard von Keutschach. NGC AU-58. Fr-576 (this coin illustrated). 17.35 grams. Obverse: Aged bust right in heavily jeweled collar and tunic, legend reads: "ORA PRO ME SANCTE RUDBERTE" (translated: "Pray for Me O Saint Rupert"); Reverse: Circle encloses the quartered arms of Salzburg (subdivided rampant lion left, three stripes on right) and the Archbishop (a turnip), dividing the date, with outer legend "LEONARD DE KEWTSCH ARE SAL". An <strong>EXTREME RARITY</strong> in this 5 Ducat weight, in the past cataloged as <strong>UNIQUE </strong>in round format (a small number of examples in klippe style exist as well), with no current evidence that has come to light to suggest otherwise. Boldly struck on both sides, this piece was coined just four years before the world-shaking upheaval of the Reformation that swept through Salzburg under Leonhards successor. While not totally lifelike, the quality of engraving is unlike most seen, with the expression on Leonhards face appearing rather pensive. Bright tone adorns the fields, with prooflike gleam on the reverse making the appearance even more luminous. Careful inspection yields the appearance of soft handling here and there, but overall the influence of the appearance in minimal. Altogether, a rather appealing example of this magnificent rarity, worthy of exalted placement is a world-class collection of Salzburg coinage. Ex: Stacks, (1/2008), Lot # 2425 @ $138,000.
