Besancon 1642 1/2 thaler
This specimen was lot 42881 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2019), where it sold for $408. The catalog description[1] noted, "GERMANY. Besancon. 1/2 Taler, 1642. NGC EF-45. Seemingly conservatively graded with a touch of central softness due to strike, but bright luster remaining in the fields that suggests a higher grade. From the Collection of Dr. James Eustace Bizzell, II." Altho today Besançon is part of France, being the chief city of the Franche-Comte, in 1642 it was part of the Holy Roman Empire. It was incorporated into France in 1678. French coins struck there bear the mintmark "CC". This type was struck 1642-45. The lucky winner of this lot paid a fraction of the catalog value.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, 35 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-28.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, Kyle Ponterio, Matt Orsini and Cris Chatigny, The January 2019 NYINC Sale: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2018.
Link to:
- Besancon 1639 teston = 1/4 thaler = 8 gros
- 1639 demi-pistolet
- Besancon (1642-65) 2 ducats, for the Generals of the mint
- 1655 half ducat
- Coins and currency dated 1642
- return to French royal coinage (to 1793)