Lot 446
Austria, Ferdinand I (1521-1564), gold Dukat Klippe - Siege of Vienna, 1529
Ancient, British and World Coins, and Medals - 118 | C24009
Auction: 21 October 2024 at 10:00 BST
Description
Austria, Holy Roman Empire, Ferdinand I (1521-1564), gold Dukat Klippe, Siege of Vienna, 1529, Vienna mint, crowned and armoured bust, arabesques at cardinal points. Rev. Long cross pattée; in quarters coats-of-arms of Niederösterreich, Castile, Hungary, and Bohemia, arabesques at cardinal points, 3.54g (Fr. 22; Markl 278). Good Very Fine, slightly wavy flan, small dig in the field on obverse and minor hairlines to surfaces. Rare piece from one of the most famous sieges in history of the Ottoman Empire and Habsburg Empire that lasted 19 days.
Struck by mintmaster Thomas Beheim during the Siege of Vienna by the forces of Ottoman Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, which lasted from 27th September to 15th October 1529. An impressive piece in terms of rarity and quality as repairs and traces of mounting are often found on this type. The Austrians with an impromptu collaboration of the city's population and European mercenaries, fortified the city around St. Stephen's Cathedral and prepared for a long siege. The treasures of Vienna's churches were used to strike this emergency issue in order to pay the mercenaries sent by the Holy Roman Emperor.
