CNG 105, Lot: 1160. Estimate $750. Sold for $800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

POLAND, Malopolska (Lesser Poland). Zamosc. AR 2 Złotych (29mm, 7.56 g, 12h). Fifth siege of Zamosc. Napoleonic Wars issue. Dated 1813. Legend in three lines / Denomination and date in three lines within wreath. Mailliet 1141; MP 1013; Kopicki 8450b; KM 5. VF, toned, die cud.

Zamosc was the site of a major series of fortifications in southeastern Poland. The forts were twice besieged during the Napoleonic Wars, once in 1809, when forces of the Duchy of Warsaw encircled and defeated the Austrian defenders, and again in 1813, by the Russians. Following the disastrous retreat of the French Army from Moscow, troops under General Rath moved west, laying siege to the forts at Zamosc in February of 1813. The Polish defenders held out for nine months before ultimately capitulating in mid-November. Silver and copper coins were struck during the later siege, with copper obtained from circulating Austrian coinage, and silver from a local Franciscan monastery. The coins were recalled and melted by Russian authorities after the fall of the fort.