Nurnberg 1733-PW 1/2 thaler
This specimen was lot 3212 in Sincona sale 39 (Zürich, May 2017), where it sold for 14,000 CHF (about US$16,790 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"Nurnberg, Stadt, Halbtaler 1733. Stempel von P. P. Werner. Auf das Stückschiessen. Stadtansicht von Westen, im Vordergrund. Sehr selten. FDC. Prachtvolle Erhaltung mit herrlicher Patina. (Germany, city of Nuremberg, half thaler of 1733. Reverse: landscape with four cannon in the foreground. Very rare. Uncirculated. Beautiful condition with magnificent patina.)"
The relative rarity of German minors such as this half thaler is much less well documented than that of the thalers and ducats. This one, which may actually be a medal, is not listed in the SCWC. Major rarities sell cheaply for lack of interest; however, this specimen sold for an astounding figure. Nuremberg was mediatized by Napoleon in 1806 and handed over to Bavaria.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 14.55 g.
Catalog reference: Kellner 288, Slg. Erlanger 689, unlisted in KM.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Jürg Richter, Auction 39, World coins and medals, coins and medals from Switzerland, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2017.
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