Lot 2816

Description

Poland, Sigismund Augustus, (1548-1572) for use in Poland on original silver half ducato of Philip II of Spain, struck at the mint in Naples, with countermark Poland on the reverse, the countermark is a crowned monogram between 15 - 64; the host coin obv. crowned and Armoured bust Philip II to right in an ornate jacket, rev. a crowned crest with countermark placed at 7 o'clock, (Krause - Mansfeld Plate 32, 6; Cagiati p98, 22 var.; Kopicki 3338 [R5]). Dark grey patina, attractive, countermark extremely fine, host coin very fine, the combination very rare.

An important issue struck in Vilna as coin to pay the mercenaries in the Livonian War in 1564.

Ex Ray Kaleda Collection.