2 Ducats - John Philip Francis of Schönborn

A masterfully engraved and expertly produced multiple-ducat with an intricate depiction of both obverse and reverse central designs, this coin shows detail down to the texture of the lion's coat on the reverse. The peripheral reeding remains bold as well, with sharp segmentation of all the denticles. Shimmering reflectivity adorns much of the fields, light handling is seen in the open areas from brief usage. A major rarity in the Wurzburg series, our search of auction archives, as well as Wosnik's compilation of German coin auction prices from 1999 to present turned up zero instances of this type selling. The closest to Fr-3687 that we were able to find were several instances of Fr-3686 being offered - the design of which is almost identical to the present with the addition of a city-view behind the reverse lion. While clearly a lesser example in terms of quality, the most comparable example appears to be an Extremely Fine of the city-view type that was sold in a Stack's auction for $20,700 in 2008. It is important however to keep in mind that the present type appears to be far more elusive. As such, we expect spirited bidding for this treasure from the German specialist down to the collector of gold rarities.

Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn, born on February 15, 1673, was educated at the Jesuit school at Aschaffeburg, and later attended several Universities, completing his studies in 1693. In 1699, he was admitted to the Wurzberg Cathedral college of clerics. Elected Prince-Bishop of Wurzburg in 1719, served in this role until his passing in 1724.