Pfalz 1788-AS thaler Dav-1959
This specimen was lot 806 in Sincona sale 6 (Zürich, May 2012), where it sold for 450 CHF (about US$554 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"DEUTSCHLAND Pfalz, Kurfürstentum Karl Theodor, 1742-1799. Konventionstaler 1788, Mannheim. Stempel von Anton Schäffer. Kopf nach rechts, mit langem Haar das mit Schleife im Nacken gebunden ist. Rv. Kurhut über dem ovalen dreigeteilten Pfälzer Wappen auf Lorbeer- und Palmzweig. Min. justiert. Fast vorzüglich. (Electorate of Pfalz, Charles Theodore, 1742-99, convention thaler of 1788, Mannheim mint, dies by Anton Schäffer. Obverse: long haired bust to right; reverse: crowned arms with laurel and palm branches around. Minor adjustment marks, choice extremely fine.)"
Charles Theodore became duke and elector of Bavaria in 1777, uniting the two branches of the Wittelsbach dynasty. The Pfalz, or Palatinate, was occupied and annexed to France in 1799 and was not returned to Bavaria until the Congress of Vienna. The Electorate was abolished and Pfalz was merely another province of Bavaria, whose ruler was promoted to king. This type was struck 1778-95 and is fairly common.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 28.06 g, 0.833 fine silver; this specimen is 27,99 g.
Catalog reference: Slg. Noss I 410. Haas 286. Hahn 393. Witt. 2415 Anm. Slg. Memmesheimer 2575. Pal. Coll. 584, Dav-1959, KM 560.3.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Davenport, John S., German Talers, 1700-1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1965.
- Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
- [1]Numismatic Coins, Medals, Banknotes & Books: Auction 6, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2012.
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