$1,799.00 USD
The 12 Mark Courant was a gold trade coin (ducat) issued by the Royal Danish Mint in Copenhagen under King Frederik V, who reigned from 1746 to 1766. This coin played an important role in Danish commerce and international trade during the 18th century, a period of economic and cultural expansion in Denmark.
Frederik V's reign (1746-1766) was marked by peace and prosperity, with Denmark experiencing significant cultural and economic growth. These gold ducats (known as Kurant-Dukater) circulated widely in 18th-century trade, helping to facilitate Baltic and European commerce due to their reliable gold content and consistent weight.
Obverse: Right-facing bust of Frederik V with the Latin legend "FRIDERICVS V D G DANIÆ NORVÆ REX" (Frederik V, by the Grace of God King of Denmark and Norway).
Reverse: Large crown above the denomination in Roman numerals ("XII MARK") and the date, with the motto "PRUDENTIA ET CONSTANTIA" ("With Prudence and Perseverance") above the crown. The crowned royal monogram of Frederik V appears flanking the value.
According to PCGS/NGC grading standards, MS63 represents a high-end uncirculated coin with "average or slightly weak strike with moderate marks or hairlines" but no wear. The coin exhibits full mint luster with only minor contact marks. This is significantly superior to AU-grade examples, which would show at least some slight friction on high points.
The difference between MS63 and lower grades is substantial in terms of eye appeal and market value. An MS63 coin has full original mint luster and moderate marks, while even an AU58 (the highest About Uncirculated grade) would show slight friction on high points.
In practical terms, this MS63 example is essentially a "Top Pop" coin, as virtually no higher-grade examples exist in either major grading service's population reports. Most surviving examples are in AU grades or lower, making this MS63 specimen a truly elite example of the type.
