Saxe-Saalfeld 1690 1/2 thaler
This specimen was lot 245 in Künker sale 400 (Berlin, February 2024), where it sold for €3,200 (about US$4,152 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SACHSEN-SAALFELD, HERZOGTUM, Johann Ernst VIII. 1680-1729. 1/2 Reichstaler 1690, Saalfeld, auf seine Vermählung mit Charlotta Johanne von Waldeck, *1664, †1699, Tochter des Grafen Josias. Von großer Seltenheit. Hübsche Patina, winz. Kratzer, sehr schön. Exemplar der westfälischen Privatsammlung „Mehrfachportraits auf Münzen und Medaillen". Die Stempel für den vorliegenden Halbtaler wurden von Christian Wermuth geschnitten. Die Vermählung fand am 2. Dezember 1690 in Maastricht statt. (Germany, duchy of Saxe-Saalfeld, John Ernest VIII, 1680-1729, half thaler of 1690, Saalfeld mint, on his wedding with Charlotte Johanna von Waldeck (1664-99), daughter of count Josiah. Extremely rare, handsome patina, minor scratches, very fine.)"
For this occasion, the duke also issued a one thaler (KM 12, 13, Dav-7508/7509), 1½ thaler (KM 14/Dav-7507) and double thaler (KM 15/Dav-7506). Johann Ernst was originally one of the dukes of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg but became duke of Saxe-Saalfeld after the partition of 1680. None of the brothers (except the oldest) thought the division was fair and the squabble lasted until 1735, six years after Johann Ernest died. His duchy was merged with Saxe-Coburg on his death.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 14,33 g.
Catalog reference: KM 11, Kozinowski/Otto/Ruß - (vgl. S. 465); Wohlfahrt 90 003.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Künker, Fritz Rudolf, Horst-Rudiger Künker, Ulrich Künker and Andreas Kaiser, Katalog 400: Selected löser of the Dukes of Guelph from the Friedrich Popken Collection | Numismatic treasures from the Medieval and Modern Times, a. o. "multiple portraits" from a Westphalian private collection, Osnabrück: Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co., AG, 2024.
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