Prussia 1856-A thaler Dav-773
This specimen was lot 31068 in Heritage sale 3105 (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $3,360. The catalog description[1] noted, "German States: Prussia. Friedrich Wilhelm IV Proof Taler 1856-A PR65+ Cameo NGC, Berlin mint. A rare Proof striking where the majority of examples from this date are of the mining issue. Proof German coinage from this era has little in the way of contemporary documentation regarding mintage figures and other details, and there is often much controversy over the designation of "Proof" versus simply "Prooflike" for certain examples that seem to toe the line between Proof and Business Strike. This particular piece, however, demonstrates a brilliant cameo quality that firmly solidifies it into the realm of the former, with delicately mirrored fields on both sides that contrast starkly with the razor-sharp and heavily frosted devices that rise above them. Ex. Köhlmoos Collection (Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel Auction 91, March 2001, Lot 122). From the Cape Coral Collection, Part II." This type is noted for 1853-56 and is common. It superseded the previous thaler which showed the king with more hair. In 1857, the thaler was reformed into the vereinsthaler; the weight was lowered but the fineness increased, resulting in a smaller coin with the same amount of silver. The vereinsthaler standard was used until the decimal reform of 1871.
Recorded mintage: 978,310 of this type plus 50,000 of the mining issue (Dav-774).
Specification: 22.27 g, 0.750 fine silver, lettered edge.
Catalog reference: KM 465, Dav-773, Thun-260.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2023 January 9 NYINC World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature® Auction - New York #3105, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2022.
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