POLAND. Gold Medallic 6 Ducats, ND (1676). John III Sobieski. PCGS MS-62. H-Cz-7763 (R5); Raczynski-193. Weight: 20.73 gms. Obverse: Laureate and draped bust of John III right; Reverse: Crown above buckler shield. A truly lovely and wholesome coronation medal, this piece charms the eyes and tickles the historical sensibility. John III Sobieski was elected to succeed Michal Korybut 1573, but his coronation was delayed for nearly three years to attend to military affairs. Sobieskis coronation was a dual affair, also serving as a time for the nation to formally lay to rest the previous kings John Casimir and Michal Korybut. The medal gleams and glistens with a vivid luster, and has a nearly cameo appearance with frosting on the devices. A light scattering of friction is seen, though these are limited and unobtrusive to the eye. For completeness we note that a "6" has been scratched into the reverse indicating the Ducat weight of this example. A tremendous specimen, and one that overruns with all the beauty and splendor one expects from a coronation medal. From the Anthony J. Taraszka Collection.<p>Ex: Hohn Leipzig 22 (12/1999) Lot #175.
