Austria 1803-A 1/2 thaler
This specimen was lot 1253 in Jean Elsen sale 165 (Brussels, June 2026), where it sold for €300 (about US$413 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SAINT EMPIRE, François II (1792-1806), AR 1/2 Taler, 1803 A, Vienne. D/ T. l. à d. R/ Aigle impériale éployée et couronnée. Rare. Légères traces d'ajustage au revers. Belle patine. Très Beau. (Holy Roman Empire, Francis II, 1792-1806, silver half thaler of 1803, Vienna mint. Obverse: laureate head right; reverse: crowned imperial eagle displayed. Rare, light adjustment marks on the reverse, nice patina, Very Fine.)"
This half thaler was struck at Vienna 1792-1804. While some dates are common, this one is scarce. Francis surrendered his title as Holy Roman Emperor in 1806.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 14.03 g, 0.833 fine silver, 34 mm diameter, lettered edge.
Catalog reference: KM A2149, Jaeckel 108; Her. 282.
- Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
- Herinek, Gerhard, Austria Münzkatalog: Munzen ab 1745 und Banknoten ab 1759, 49. Auflage, Vienna: Christine Steyrer Verlag, 2022.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Veselý, Roman, Mince a medaile, 19. století, František II ab Karel I, Prague: Aurea Numismatika, 2020.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 165, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2026.
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