File:Emden 1674 2 thaler obv H3029-30072.jpg

This specimen was lot 30072 in Heritage sale 3029 (New York, January 2014), where it sold for $111,625. The catalog description^[1] noted, "Possibly Unique City-View Specimen Emden. Leopold I City 2 Taler 1674, Davenport A5251, KMA21, MS66 NGC. An absolutely stunning coin, both in terms of rarity and condition. The strike is bold, for this early type, and the near-flawless fields exhibit a prooflike sheen beneath attractive gray patina. The obverse, with its view of Emden, is truly spectacular. Horses gallop on land in the foreground. In the outer harbor, ships are at sail, some entering the calm waters of the protected inner harbor. The city, an important port even today, appears behind the sea wall. Numerous spires rise into cloudless skies; the addition of soaring birds is likely unique among takers. The reverse displays crowned arms and the date. We can find very few records of single Talers of this type, but none of this great rarity. Even the single Talers are extremely rare, and the few pieces we can trace are all in circulated condition. The opportunity to bid on an exceptional 2 Taler piece is unlikely to occur again."