POLAND. Riga. Ducat, 1584. Stephan Bathori. PCGS AU-50. Fr-4 (Latvia; Rare); H-C-7216 (R7); Kop-8099 (R8); Srebra/Zlota-Unlisted; Gum-911. This <strong>EXCESSIVELY RARE </strong>specimen struck at Riga is the only example to ever be certified by either PCGS or NGC. Only one record of this date and type appears to have reached auction in 2006 with that specimen being holed. Kopicki estimates that there are 2-3 known in existence, with Riga only being under formal Polish control during the reigns of Stephan Bathori and Sigismund III. These elusive pieces simply do not come to market, with this example coming from a 1937 Danish sale and remaining in Salton hands until present. This example has some light wear across the portrait on the obverse and the arms on the reverse. Patches of luster remain on the honey golden surfaces, and this piece is a beautiful problem free example. Sure to spark much interest, this beautiful and <strong>RARE </strong>piece is magnetic with lore and appeal. From the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection. <p>Ex: Copenhagen (10/1937) Lot # 1509.<p>Ex: Pilsen Hoard, 1914.
