Hesse-Cassel 1634-TS 2 thaler Dav-LS316
This specimen was lot 30248 in Heritage auction 3096 (Dallas, TX, March 2021), where it sold for $19,200. The catalog description[1] noted,
"German States: Hesse-Cassel. Wilhelm V "Willow Tree" 2 Taler MDCXXXIIII (1634)-TS AU58 NGC, Kassel mint. Terenz Schmidt as mintmaster. Variety with IEHOVA spelling and houses in the reverse (obverse as holdered) scene. A scarce type laden with evocative imagery, its surfaces tinged to a smoky slate-gray that reveals notes of plum patina and golden toning accents when turned from end to end under the light. Minted during the ravages of the Thirty Years' War, the reverse scene of a tempest battering a large willow tree was meant as an allegory for the effects of the conflict on Hesse-Cassel, as Wilhelm V had been a Calvinist and supported Sweden during the War, leading to the occupation and the devastation of his territories by the Holy Roman Emperor. At present, this virtually Mint State selection is the finest of just two certified by NGC, with none yet achieving uncirculated status. From the Paramount Collection."
The landgraves issued a number of double thalers 1621-38, all rare and many lacking photos in the SCWC.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 56.86 g.
Catalog reference: KM 147, Dav-LS316, Hoffmeister-991, Schütz-834.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
- Davenport, John S., Large Size Silver Coins of the World, 16th-19th Centuries, 3rd Ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 1991.
- [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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