Mansfeld-Schraplau 1542 1/2 thaler
This specimen was lot 1223 in Jean Elsen sale 149 (Brussels, December 2021), where it sold for €340 (about US$461 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ALLEMAGNE, MANSFELD-SCHRAPLAU, Gebhard VII, Albrecht VII, Philipp II et Johann Georg Ier (1540-1546), AR demi-Taler, 1542, Eisleben. D/ Ecu heaumé. R/ Saint Georges à cheval à d., combattant le dragon. Rare Griffes. Craquelures du flan au revers. Très Beau. (Germany, county of Mansfeld-Schraplau, joint rule of Gebhard VII, Albrecht VII, Philipp II and Johann Georg I, 1540-46, silver half thaler of 1542, Eisleben mint. Obverse: helmeted arms; reverse: St. George, mounted to right, slaying the dragon. Rare, scratches, planchet cracks on the reverse, Very Fine.)"
This is from the first of six different issues of joint coinages. Gebhard VII and Albrecht VII, who are mentioned first on the coin, ruled in Schraplau while Philipp II ruled in Bornstedt and Johann Georg in Eisleben. This type is listed for 1540-44 and is priced much lower than the accompanying thaler (Dav-9513).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 14,18 g.
Catalog reference: KM MB2, Tornau 1025.
- Nicol, N. Douglas, Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of German Coins, 1501-Present, 3rd ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2011.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 149: Monnaies, Médailles et Décorations, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2021.
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