Friday, December 9, 2011

Crossing the Block: An Impressive High Relief Counter Reformation Multiple Ducats

Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio is proud to present the January 2012 N.Y.I.N.C. Auction, being held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City January 6th and 7th and in our own auction Gallery on January 9th, in conjunction with the New York International Numismatic Convention. This year is the 40th Annual NYINC, and is the United States’ most prestigious numismatic event focusing on the needs of the world and ancient collecting communities.
Lot viewing begins in our new California office, located at 1063 McGaw in Irvine by appointment only starting this Wednesday, December 7th through December 14th. Lot viewing will also be taking place in our New York office from December 20-30 by appointment only, and then will resume on Wednesday January 4th-7th at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
One of the many exciting coins to cross the block that week is an impressive high relief Counter Reformation multiple ducats graded NGC-63Wolf Dietrich Von Raitenau (1587-1612). Fr-674; KM-MB577; Probszt-715; Zottl-818.  EXTREMELY RARE. Wolf Dietrich Von Raitenau was heavily involved in the Counter-Reformation movement. In 1588 Raitenau had all of the Protestants expelled from the city of Salzburg. The obverse of this remarkable type depicts a three-tiered tower in the midst of a great storm, assaulted by the four winds and crashing of waves. The legend reads "IN. DOMINO. SPERANS. NON. INFIRMABOR" (Trusting in the Lord I shall not be Weakened). This allegorical design symbolizes that Catholicism, like the well built tower, will withstand the temporary storm of reformation. It is struck with precision on a large round planchet from remarkably high relief dies. The artistic beauty, style and detail of this numismatic work of art convey somewhat of a three dimensional overall general appearance. Exceptional in its execution, it clearly displays Raitenau’s affinity for fine art and love of Baroque architecture. 
Check out our entire auction online or give us a call at 949-955-1250 to receive a copy of the catalogue.

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