17th Century Coin: Could This Ferdinand III Ducat Fetch $2 Million?

A rare 17th-century gold coin, hidden from the Nazis, is poised to become one of the most expensive ever sold. This blog post dives into the fascinating story.

Hold onto your hats, folks! A seriously rare 17th-century gold coin is making waves in the numismatic world. Hidden from the Nazis for over half a century, this beauty is estimated to fetch a cool $2 million at auction. Let's dive into the story behind this Habsburgian treasure.

A Coin Fit for a King (and an Auction)

We're talking about a 100 ducat gold coin of Ferdinand III of Habsburg, minted in 1629. This isn't your average pocket change; it weighs about the same as a can of soup! It’s part of the Traveler Collection, a hoard of 15,000 coins buried to keep them out of Nazi hands. This collection is expected to bring in over $100 million at auction, so this coin is just a piece of the pie!

Why So Expensive?

Several factors contribute to this coin's hefty price tag. First, it's massive, composed of 348.5g of fine gold, the largest denomination of European gold coins ever minted. Second, only a hundred of these coins were minted as a donation from the young king to German princes during the Thirty Years' War. And finally, it's one of only three known specimens in the world.

More Than Just Gold

This coin isn't just valuable for its gold content; it's a piece of history. It represents a pivotal moment in European history, specifically the Thirty Years' War. Owning this coin is like owning a tangible piece of the 17th century.

The Traveler Collection: A Treasure Trove

The upcoming auction in Switzerland isn't just about the Ferdinand III ducat. It features other impressive coins, like a 10 ducat 'Portugalöser' coin from Hamburg (estimated at nearly $70,000) and a 10 Ducat coin from the city of Sibiu (estimated at nearly $140,000) commemorating the Transylvanian civil war. This collection is a dream for numismatists.

Final Thoughts: Invest or Admire?

Whether you're a serious collector with deep pockets or just a history buff with a fascination for shiny things, the story of this 17th-century coin is captivating. Will it reach that $2 million estimate? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: this Ferdinand III ducat is a shining example of history and artistry coming together in one very valuable package.