Sigismund III Vasa, 8-ducat Donatywa, 1614, Gdańsk – illustrated – rarity
Obverse:
A bust of Sigismund III Vasa in right-facing profile, wearing a crown and armor covered by a cloak. Above the crown, a miniature inscription of the date 1614. The cloak is fastened with a brooch on which the digits of the date 1614 are inscribed in a cross pattern. On the chest is the chain of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Below the bust are the initials S A (Samuel Ammon—a Gdańsk medalist). The border bears an inscription divided at the top by decorative elements and a crown cross: SIGISMVNDVS III D G REX POLONIÆ MAG DVX LIT RVS PRVSSIÆ
Rev.:
Two lions support an oval shield bearing the coat of arms of Gdańsk, resting on an ornate console. Above the shield is a garland composed of two palm leaves and five laurel sprigs. On the sides of the console are the initials S A (Samuel Ammon—a Gdańsk medalist). The center of the console is heart-shaped and features a miniature shield bearing the coat of arms of Gdańsk, supported by two lions. On the console’s beam, beneath the beam, and below the heart-shaped center, the date 16–14 W appears three times; on the rim, an inscription divided at the top by ornamentation and sprigs reads: EX AVRO SOLIDO CIVITAS GEDANENSIS FIERI F
Condition: 2+
The coin is illustrated in the specialized catalog “Gold of the Vasa Dynasty” by Jarosław Dutkowski.A beautifully struck and well-preserved piece. Three-dimensional relief. Beautiful detail. Luster and plenty of mint mirror finish. An extremely rare coin and virtually unavailable on the collector’s market. A beautiful piece to complement the finest collections.
We recommend
Metal: gold
; Weight: 28.15 g
References: Dutkowski 163 (R7), Friedberg 5b, CNG 206, Kaleniecki p. 209
