File:Brunswick Lunebg SB816-20490o.jpg

This specimen was lot 20490 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Anaheim, CA, August 2016), where it sold for $8,225. The catalog description^[1] noted, "GERMANY. Brunswick-Luneburg-Celle. 4 Taler, 1664-LW. Christian Ludwig (1648-65). NGC AU-58. Dav-LS187; KM-223.5. Horse jumps left, crowned with laurel wreath by heavenly arm, cross-section of mine both above and underground; Reverse: "SINCERE ET CONSTANTER ANNO 1664" Crowned "CL" monogram within wreath, surrounded by fourteen crowned heraldic shields on a larger wreath, "4" (mark of value) stamp before date. Prior to his rule of the entire duchy of Brunswick-Luneburg in 1648, Christian ruled the principality of Calenberg which he inherited from his father, Duke George of Brunswick-Luneburg, upon his sudden death in 1641. Then in 1648 inheriting the Principality of Luneburg from his uncle, Duke Frederick IV of Brunswick-Luneburg. Wanting the rule the larger territory of Luneburg Christian gave Calenberg to his younger brother George William and resided in Celle castle until his death in 1665. A terrific example of this hefty silver piece with dark attractive toning which deepens toward the edges."