Mansfeld-Bornstedt 1774 1/2 thaler
This specimen was lot 30426 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2022), where it sold for $2,280. The catalog description[1] noted, "GERMANY. Mansfeld-Bornstedt. 1/2 Taler, 1774. Prague Mint. Heinrich. NGC MS-65 Prooflike. A brilliantly uncirculated Gem, this entirely impressive beauty dazzles with handsome steely luster and sharply applied details. The prooflike nature is on full display with lightly frosty devices that contrast well against the slightly reflective surfaces. When comparing this specimen against the norm for this type, it stands in stark contrast, being the sole finest certified by NGC. A piece certain to entice much bidding and demand." Henry was the last count; on his death all of Mansfeld went to Saxony and later Prussia. This is the only half thaler from that locality issued in the eighteenth century; presumably the prolific silver mines of the previous century had become exhausted.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 14.03 g, 0.833 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-150; J-1A.
- Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The 2022 ANA Auction - Ancients & World Coins - Featuring The Salton Collection Part III, the Augustana Collection and the Robert C. Knepper Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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