Bamberg 1693-GFN thaler Dav-5064
This specimen was struck for the Bishopric of Bamberg in 1693. Bamberg thalers are generally rare but this one is scarce even as Bamberg thalers go. "Sede vacante" ("vacant seat") thalers were struck in the interval between the death of the old bishop and the consecration of his replacement. This specimen was lot 1509 in Stack's Coin Galleries sale (Irvine, July 2011), where it sold for $1,155.75. The catalog description noted, "GERMAN STATES. Bamberg. Taler, 1693-GFN. Sede Vacante (1693). Sumptuously robed Emperor Heinrich II enthroned, struck by the Cathedral Chapter in the interregnum between Bishops. Rv. Lion rampant with bar dexter, INSIGNIA PRINCIPATVS BAMBERGENSIS. Powerful design is highlighted by a careful strike and deep gray toning. EXTREMELY FINE." The second specimen was lot 3312 in Künker Auction 426 (Osnabrück, July 2025), where it sold for €725 (about US$1,027 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[2] noted,
"BAMBERG, BISTUM Sedisvakanz 1693. Reichstaler 1693, Nürnberg. Min. Zainende, sehr schön. (bishopric of Bamberg, sede vacante, thaler of 1693, Nuremberg mint. Minor clip, very fine.)"
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, the second specimen 28,91 g.
Catalog reference: KM-82; Dav-5064.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Davenport, John S., German Church and City Talers, 1600-1700, Galesburg, IL, 1967.
- [1]Van Valen, Frank, and Vicken Yegparian, The July 2011 Coin Galleries Sale, Irvine, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, 2011.
- [2]Künker, Fritz Rudolf, Horst-Rudiger Künker, Ulrich Künker and Andreas Kaiser, eLive Premium Auction 426: European and German Coins and Medals from the 16th to the 20th century, Osnabrück: Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co., AG, 2025.
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