Prussia 1872-A groschen
This specimen was lot 75076 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice Online Auction (Costa Mesa, CA, October 2024), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted, "GERMANY. Prussia. Groschen, 1872-A. Berlin Mint. Wilhelm I. NGC MS-63. A charming Choice example, offering brilliant allure and much charm." This specimen was offered again as lot 75073 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice Online Auction (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2025), where it sold for $85. This type was struck 1861-73 (two years after unification) at Berlin (A), Hannover (B) and Frankfurt (C) and all dates are common. Thirty silbergroschen made a thaler. In 1871, with the successful conclusion of the Franco-Prussian War, Wilhelm assumed the title of Emperor of Germany. The currency was reformed to use pfennig and marks and the taler was dropped, tho it remained legal tender at three mark. The first of the reformed coinage was the twenty mark (1871), followed by the ten mark (1872) and the one mark (1873).
Recorded mintage: unknown but common.
Specification: 2.19 g, 0.222 fine silver, 18.5 mm diameter, plain edge.
Catalog reference: KM-485.
- 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]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, October 2024 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the S.P. Rutherford Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
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