$10,166.00 USD
The 1697 Hungarian gold ducat was issued under Habsburg Emperor Leopold I (Holy Roman Emperor 1658–1705, King of Hungary, Bohemia, and other territories). This coin was struck at the K-B (Körmöcbánya/Kremnitz/Kremnica) mint in the Kingdom of Hungary, a historic mint renowned for producing high-purity gold coinage.
The obverse depicts Leopold I in full imperial regalia standing facing forward (crowned, wearing armor and robes), holding the imperial orb in his left hand and scepter in his right, with the mintmark "K–B" flanking the figure. The Latin obverse legend "LEOPOLD·D·G·R·I·S·A·G·H·B·REX" abbreviates Leopold's titles as Holy Roman Emperor and King of Germany, Hungary, and Bohemia.
The reverse features a seated Madonna (Holy Virgin Mary) holding the infant Jesus, both crowned and surrounded by radiant beams, often atop a crescent moon. This iconic image reflects the Catholic faith and the idea of the Virgin Mary as Patrona Hungariae (Protector of Hungary). The reverse legend continues Leopold's titulary and includes the date 1697.
The subject coin is graded PCGS MS61, indicating it is in Mint State (uncirculated) condition. An MS61 coin has no wear from circulation but will show contact marks or planchet flaws that limit its eye appeal. The coin retains sharp design details and original mint luster in protected areas, though it will have numerous small nicks from coins hitting each other in mint bags.
At MS61, this coin represents a significant condition rarity. The PCGS population for 1697 in MS61 is probably on the order of 1–3 pieces (with maybe 1–2 higher), making it among the finest known survivors of this issue.
