Braunau 1743 60 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 25009 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $1,050. The catalog description[1] noted,
"GERMANY. War of Austrian Succession. Siege of Braunau. Gulden (60 Kreuzer), 1743. PCGS Genuine--Tooled, VF Details. Siege: 30 November 1742 - 30 June 1743. Irregular octagonal uniface flan with arms of Saxony flanked by date (17-43), IM-VE divided by denomination below; Legend: *L*AVXILIVM*F* BRAvHNAv*Z*ANOBIS S*. This moderately handled and wholly original looking survivor exhibits even wear with minor earthen deposits in the protected areas. The surfaces are relatively smooth with signs of handling consistent for the grade. Close inspection reveals some scratching in the compartment second from the top and down the center band on the coat of arms from long ago now slightly subdued. Despite its shortcomings this VERY RARE issue offers much originality and a pleasing appearance.
When the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI died the legitimacy of the line of succession to the throne was called into question and turmoil ensued. Severely weakened from years of war with large expenditures and an underprepared heiress, Maria Theresa, the War of the Austrian Succession began 16 December 1740. Numerous battles and skirmishes occurred between the Allied forces, primarily consisting of France, Spain, Prussia, Bavaria and Saxony and the Pragmatic Allies consisting of the Hapsburg Monarchy supported by Great Britain, Hanover, the Dutch Republic and Russia, the region of Braunau am inn was no exception. Located near the Austrian and Bavarian border, the decisive of Battle of Simbach 9 May 1743 drove the Allied forces across the river to Braunau where the Pragmatic forces besieged the city. Under constant bombardment and heavy losses, Duke Ludwig Friedrich of Saxony-Hildburghausen who was charged with defending the city attempted to hold off the advancing forces. Ultimately sensing defeat, he left the city 27 June to meet with Charles of Lorraine and negotiate the terms of surrender. Austrian troops continued the attack until word finally arrived three days later on 30 June."
In 1743, during the War of the Austrian Succession, a Bavarian army was besieged by the Austrians at this town on the Inn river. During the siege, a series of coins was issued, ranging from one kreuzer to a double ducat. The small denominations were struck in lead and all are scarce. The town passed from Bavaria to Austria in the 1770's. Its modern claim to fame is being the birthplace of Adolf Hitler.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 17 g, 38.5 mm x 39 mm.
Catalog reference: KM-5; Korchnak-94; Mailliet-pl. XVI #7; MO-4.2.1.8.
- Korchnak, Lawrence C., Siege Coins of the World, 1453-1902, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, 2021.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The January 2023 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Taraszka Collection and the Mark and Dottie Salton Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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