Poland 1646-CDC 1/2 thaler
This specimen was lot 42660 in Stack's Bowers Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction (Pittsburgh, September 2026), where it sold for $34,160. The catalog description[1] noted, "POLAND. 1/2 Taler, 1646-CDC. Krakow Mint. Wladislaus IV. PCGS Genuine--Cleaned, VF Details. An EXTREMELY RARE issue that arises perhaps once in a generation, struck at the Royal Mint in Krakow under mintmaster Claudius de Canotti. Though indeed displaying evidence of cleaning, the condition is overall quite appealing, with strong detail to the reverse considering the VF grade. In truth, however, the condition is fairly meaningless in the face of the sheer rarity of the type. We note a single other example in our searches of public auctions over the past 25 years (Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, 2/2006 - Lot 1187), which realized a hammer price of €16,000; said example appears in perhaps similar technical condition to the present piece, though it exhibits a couple of areas of significant strike weakness. As such, we expect steep competition for the opportunity to acquire this type that may not arise again for many years to come." This rare issue also comes with initials GCT.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver.
Catalog reference: KM-55 (Rare); Kop-1478 (R8); Gum-1542 (RR).
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2026.
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