Luneburg (1611-12) 2 thaler Dav-LS342
The first specimen was lot 30314 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2015), where it sold for $4,700. The catalog description[1] noted, "GERMANY. Luneburg. 2 Taler, ND (1611-12). PCGS AU-55 Secure Holder. An attractive large size Taler with compelling iconographic images. Good strike with full legends and only minimal doubling. Even medium gray toning and flawless edges. A piece with lots to explore." The second specimen was lot 32607 in Heritage sale 3089 (Dallas, TX, January 2021), where it sold for $7,200. The catalog description[2] noted, "Germany. Lüneburg. Free City 2 Taler ND (1611-1612) XF45 NGC, Lüneburg mint. Variety with QVIS spelling. A type positively packed with iconic imagery, from the ornate helmet over the arms of the city on the obverse to the handsome portrayal of St. John the Baptist holding the paschal lamb and accompanied by the "man in the moon" on the reverse. Wholly appealing for the grade, with next to no loss of detail from its apparently light circulation, a midnight blue and violet patination having settled over the surfaces and confirming its status as a top-tier survivor. Ex. Millennia Collection (Goldberg Auction 46B, May 2008, Lot 621)." This very rare type was issued by the city, not the duke. The city issued thalers until the end of the Thirty Years War. Another double thaler issued at the time featured St. John the Baptist on the obverse and the man in the moon on the reverse (Dav-LS343).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver.
Catalog reference: Dav-LS342; KM-22 (first specimen); Schnee-32; KM 23 (second specimen), Schnee-34.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Davenport, John S., Large Size Silver Coins of the World, 16th-19th Centuries, 3rd Ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 1991.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, The August 2015 Chicago ANA Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Irvine, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2015.
- [2]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage Auction 3089: NYINC World & Ancient Coins Platinum & Signature Auction - Dallas, featuring the Cape Coral Collection of European Crowns and the Penn Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2020.
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