Lithuania 1585 thaler Dav-8456
This specimen was lot 24007 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $132,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Incredible Stephan Bathori Taler From the Vilnus Mint, POLAND. Lithuania. Taler, 1585. Vilnius Mint. Stephan Bathori. PCGS AU-53. Obverse: Crowned and armored bust of Stephan right, holding scepter in his left hand; Reverse: Crowned coat-of-arms of Poland and Lithuania, date flanking. An INCREDIBLE RARITY from the Vilnius Mint, this Taler stands as one of the most challenging European Crowns ever produced in terms of collectability. This example retains exceptional details, with almost no evidence of handling noticed on the surfaces. Much beautiful luster is retained, along with an almost glowing ambiance of toning. An entrancing coin, that would serve as a capstone piece in any collection of Polish issues, or among European crowns more generally. From the Anthony J. Taraszka Collection. Ex: Kunker 64 (03/2001) Lot #3235."
The similar Dav-8457 has an "NB" mintmark.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver.
Catalog reference: Dav-8456; H-Cz-6745A (R7); Kop-3391 (R7); Kur-330 (R8); Gum-864.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1484-1600, Frankfurt: Numismatischer Verlag, 1977.
- [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.
Link to: