Luzern 1557 thaler Dav-8739
This specimen was lot 4105 in Sincona sale 87 (Zürich, October 2023), where it sold for 12,000 CHF (about US$16,159 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Luzern, Taler 1557, Luzern. Darstellung der Blendung des heiligen Leodegar. Rv. Zwei Löwen halten das gekrönte Schweizer Reichswappen, darunter das Wappen von Luzern, umher Wappenkranz. Äusserst selten. Gutes sehr schön. (canton of Luzern, thaler of 1557, Luzern mint. Obverse: Representation of the blinding of Saint Leodegar; reverse: two lions support the arms of the confederation, cantonal arms below, circle of shields around. Extremely rare, Good very fine.)"
This type was struck 1557 only. This example has 16 shields; some have 15 shields. A double thaler (Dav-8738) also exists. Very few thalers appear from this canton in the 16th century. St. Leodegar made an enemy of Ebroin, mayor of the palace of Neustria and was blinded on his orders in AD 679.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 28.35 g.
Catalog reference: HMZ 2-617d, Dav-8739.
- Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 87, World Coins and Medals, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2023Richter, Jürg, Sincona sale 64: Swiss Coins and Medals, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2020.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1484-1600, Frankfurt: Numismatischer Verlag, 1977.
- Richter, Jürg, and Ruedi Kunzmann, Neuer HMZ-Katalog, Band 2: Die Münzen der Schweiz und Liechtensteins 15//16. Jahrhundert bis Gegenwart, Regenstauf, Germany: H. Gietl Verlag GmbH, 2006.
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