1641/0 Gold 2P Frederick Henry NGC MS62

This coin was struck during the mid-17th century under Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange (reigned 1625–1647), a prominent leader in the Dutch Republic and the sovereign of the small Principality of Orange in southern France. The coin's denomination is often described as 2 Pistoles (also called a double pistole), equivalent to 4 Écu d'or in contemporary French currency.

Obverse: A right-facing bust of Frederick Henry, shown bare-headed in ornate armor with a flat, ruffled collar. The surrounding legend in Latin proclaims his title (translated, "Frederick Henry, by the grace of God, Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau").

Reverse: Frederick Henry's crowned coat of arms with seven quarters (sections) representing his titles and family domains, all within a beaded inner circle. Encircling the arms is the motto "SOLI DEO HONOR ET GLORIA" (To God alone honor and glory).

One unique feature that makes this coin especially noteworthy is the overdate "1641/0" on the reverse. The date on the die was originally 1640 and was punched over with a "1" to read 1641. Such an overdate indicates a practice of conserving dies – the Orange mint likely reused a prepared 1640 die in the year 1641.

The population rarity is unprecedented:

·         According to NGC's population census, only one example of the 1641/0 overdate has been certified in Mint State – which is this coin (pop 1 at MS level, with none graded higher)

·         Even NGC's census for all Frederick Henry double pistoles (including any date or variety) records only three in Mint State total

·         PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) likewise shows no Mint State examples of the 1641/0 in their population report – effectively, PCGS has never seen an uncirculated example of this overdate come through for grading

This is an extraordinarily high grade for any 17th-century gold coin – most such coins that survive are found in circulated grades (VF, EF, etc.) In practical terms, an NGC MS62 Frederick Henry 2 Pistole will show sharp detail and significant flash or reflectivity in the fields

Prince of Orange; FR-196; 13.08g