Brandenburg 1679-CS thaler Dav-6208

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Heritage sale 3096, lot 30208
H3096-30208r.jpg

This specimen was lot 30208 in Heritage auction 3096 (Dallas, TX, March 2021), where it sold for $38,400. The catalog description[1] noted,

"Astonishing Gem Mint State Brandenburg Taler. German States: Brandenburg. Friedrich Wilhelm Taler 1679-CS MS65 NGC, Berlin mint. Christoph Stricker as mintmaster. A paragon of the type--likely among the finest in existence, if not so--seeming to outrank even the specimen contained in the Berlin Münzkabinett (Object No. 18205890). The Standard Catalog of World Coins cites the 2003 sale of this very coin, which provides some indication as to the difficulty of locating superior examples of the type, particularly one in glorious gem Mint State. The obverse prominently displays Brandenburg's "Great Elector," Friedrich Wilhelm, who drastically reformed the electorate and set the stage for his son and successor, Frederick I, to later become the first "King in Prussia." That entity would soon rank as a foremost power on the European continent, as well as the lead actor in achieving German unification during the second half of the 19th century. The condition of the specimen is nothing less than extraordinary. Soft silver patination overlies surfaces that contain scintillating argent luster. Mint brilliance envelopes the devices, which have been rendered admirably and preserved in their full Mint State splendor. The reverse, more satiny in character and also highly engaging, reveals a combination of needle-sharp detailing and only isolated central weakness to the strike, with some mild planchet adjustment noted. If ever there was a coin that, "should not exist" in terms of its technical quality and allure, then this taler is certainly it. Ex. Künker Auction 81 (March 2003, Lot 4099); Galerie des Monnaies Auction 22 (1979, Lot 35); Otto Helbing Auction 82 (1941, Lot 2038). From the Paramount Collection."

In 1679, Friedrich Wilhelm was only Elector of Brandenburg; his son Friedrich III was not granted the title of King of Prussia until 1701. Most Brandenburger thalers of the seventeenth century are rare and expensive; this one is no exception.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: silver.

Catalog reference: KM 490 (this coin cited), Dav-6208, Reimarus/Texier-610 (Rare), Madai-3076, Marienburg-Unl., Reimmann-3217, von Schluthess-Rechberg-5937, Henckel Collection-947, Belli Collection-2395, von dem Busche-771, cf. Wilmersdörffer-7521 (lead off-metal strike), von Schrötter-207.

Source:

  • Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
  • Davenport, John S., German Secular Talers, 1600-1700, Frankfurt: Numismatischer Verlag, 1976.
  • Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
  • [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano and Warren Tucker, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3096, featuring the Paramount Collection of World & Ancient Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.

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