Saxe-Altenburg 1623-WA 1/2 thaler
This specimen was lot 1034 in Jean Elsen sale 165 (Brussels, June 2026), where it sold for €160 (about US$220 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ALLEMAGNE, SAXE-ALTENBURG, Johann Philipp, Friedrich, Johann Wilhelm et Friedrich Wilhelm II (1603-1625), AR demi-Taler, 1623 WA, Saalfeld. D/ B. cuirassé de Johann Philipp à d. R/ B. cuirassés de ses trois frères à d. Griffes. Très Beau. (Germany, duchy of Saxe-Altenburg, John Philip, Frederick, John William and Frederick William II, 1603-25, silver half thaler of 1623, Saalfeld mint. Obverse: armored bust of John Philip right; reverse: armored busts of his three brothers right. Scratches, Very Fine.)"
This state was created in 1602 from Saxe-Weimar for Johann II and survived until the death of Frederick William III in 1672, when it was claimed by Saxe-Gotha. This rather scarce half thaler was stuck 1623 only. The last of the brothers died in 1639.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 14,15 g.
Catalog reference: KM 299, Kernbach 4.16.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 165, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2026.
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