We are edging ever closer to the opening session of the Stack’s Bowers
Galleries ANA World’s Fair of Money auction, yet we have some impressive lots
still left to highlight. Today’s highlight is one of those pieces that should
be seen in person: a large size gold cityview of Hamburg, a Portugaloser (10 Ducat).
This hefty gold piece owes its name to the Portuguese coinage type the
“Portuguez.” Beginning in the mid 16th century the city of Hamburg minted the
Portugaloser with the Portuguese cross on the reverse. Beginning in the next
century the designs varied and included the city coat of arms. The piece we will
offer in our August auction features a sprawling view of Hamburg and the harbor
on the Elbe River. Also displayed is the Latin inscription: “Sub Umbra Alarum
Tuarum,” which means: “Under the Shadow of thy Wings.” Just under this
inscription is “Jehovah” radiate in clouds and completing the Latin inscription
— the city is under the watch of Jehovah. You could contemplate this cityscape
for hours, pouring over the detailed ships, steeples and a windmill (tucked
away at nine o’clock). The reverse features the Heraldic shields of the four
major banking cities of the age: Venice, Amsterdam, Hamburg and Nuremberg in
Baroque cartouches, winged angel’s head above, the initials of Hinrich
Burmester (the oldest Bank citizen) below. This large gold cityscape is a true
numismatic treasure. It displays gorgeous lemon yellow gold throughout and will
be a fine addition to even the most sophisticated collection.
The entire sale can be viewed here. Though our Stack’s
Bowers Galleries August ANA World’s Fair of Money Auction is no longer open for
consignments, we are now accepting consignments of world and ancient coins for
our January 2017 New York International Auction as well as Chinese and other
Asian coins and currency for our April 2017 Hong Kong Showcase Auction. If you
are interested in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole
collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our consignment
directors.
