26 Centuries of Gold
1499 Brandenburg-Franconia

Owner Comments:

1499 Goldgulden. Struck with dates from 1497 to 1515. These are among the earliest Arabic numeral dated gold coins, starting the tradition of a four-digit date that we continue to this day. Also interesting is the early "4" which looks more like a ribbon than what we think of as a "4". But, you can see the connection if you imagine a "4" being tilted slightly to the right and with the flat face of the "4" made round.

Obverse: Full-length facing figure of St. John the Baptist holding book and lamb

Obverse Legend: FRIDRIC: D: G: MARCH: BRAND (or variant)

Reverse: Floriated cross in circle, small shield of arms in each angle, date at end of legend

Reverse Legend: @X@@Z MONE: NOVA: AVR: SWOBACH

NGC says this is the highest graded of this year and type