 German New Guinea Company. 20 Mark, 1895 A. Berlin. Great Bird of Paradise displaying full plumage. Rv. NEU-GUINEA COMPAGNIE over palm wreath enclosing 20/ NEU-GUINEA/ MARK/ 1895. Fr.1. Jaeger 709, KM 9. One of 1,500 pieces struck, of which Proofs made up an unknown but certainly minute number. An unknown number were destroyed after the New Guinea Mark was replaced first by regular German coinage before the war and by Australian currency following the German Governor's capitulation to Australian forces in 1914. The Bird of Paradise issues are generally regarded as among the most beautiful coins ever struck and this glittering example has been carefully conserved since it was struck, placing it among the finest in existence for today's collectors. Gem Brilliant Proof. (Est. $40,000-$45,000)
Ex Louis E. Eliasberg Collection (American Numismatic Rarities, April 2005, lot 2249); previously in the John H. Clapp Collection, passing with the Clapp Estate to Eliasberg, 1942.
| |
|
