1736 Gold Ducat Noah's Ark PCGS MS61

The 1736 Gold Ducat “Noah’s Ark” Commemorative, graded PCGS MS61, is an extraordinary numismatic artifact struck in the Holy Roman Empire to mark the symbolic end of flood and famine. A spiritual and allegorical issue rather than a circulating coin, it draws directly from the Biblical narrative of Genesis, specifically the moment Noah releases the dove and receives divine assurance of peace. The religious, historical, and visual resonance of this ducat makes it one of the most evocative biblical-themed gold issues of the 18th century.

Reverse: Depicts four human figures — men and women — kneeling in prayer before a blazing altar, their hands raised in thanks. The Latin legend encircles the scene, giving praise and framing the event as an act of divine mercy and thanksgiving.

Obverse: Features a dove flying left, holding an olive branch in its beak — the moment of divine reconciliation after the flood. The ark floats on stylized waves in the background. The legend encircling the scene is inscribed in Latin, and a two-line inscription in the exergue references the cessation of the flood in 1736.

Struck in .986 fine gold and weighing 3.47 grams, this medallic ducat is recorded under Goppel 1198; Friedensburg/Seger 4238; cf. Brettauer 1858; cf. Erlanger 2453, placing it within a well-documented catalog lineage of Austrian religious gold ducats.

Graded PCGS MS61, this piece stands as the finest known certified example, with full strike definition, vibrant golden luster, and only minimal contact marks. Its survival in Mint State over nearly three centuries is remarkable, and its high relief and iconographic detail offer exceptional visual impact.