Frankfurt 1866 2 thaler Dav-651
This specimen was lot 20201 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (Newport Beach, CA, January 2021), where it sold for $5,280. The catalog description[1] noted, "GERMANY. Frankfurt. 2 Taler, 1866. PCGS PROOF-62 Cameo. This highly attractive and seldom encountered proof version of this relatively common type showing signs of handling consistent for the assigned grade and displays hard flashy surfaces and frosted devices. This pleasing survivor offers much originality exhibiting lovely delicate patina with a pleasing appearance sure to see spirited bidding from many collectors." This type was struck by the free city of Frankfurt am Main 1860-66. Its face value of two thalers was equal to 3½ gulden. A similar one thaler was also minted 1859-65. As the thaler shrank from the convention thaler (28.06 g) to the vereinsthaler (18.52 g), the double thaler came back into fashion for commemoratives. Frankfurt was annexed by Prussia in 1866 and its coinage ceased.
Recorded mintage: 656,100.
Specification: 37.04 g, 0.900 fine silver, 1.071 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: Dav-641; KM-365.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The January 2021 NYINC Sale: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Oro del Nuevo Mundo and Matt Orsini Collections, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2020.
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