Saxony 1603-HB 2 thaler Dav-7560
This specimen was lot 972 in Jean Elsen sale 165 (Brussels, June 2026), where it sold for €1,150 (about US$1,854 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ALLEMAGNE, SAXE, Christian II, Johann Georg Ier et August (1601-1611), AR Taler, 1603 HB, Dresde. Piéfort de poids double. D/ B. imberbe et cuirassé de Christian II à d., ten. une épée sur l'épaule. À d., un heaume. R/ B. cuirassés de f. de Johann Georg et d'August, entourés de quatorze écussons. Rare. Légère trace de bélière. presque Très Beau. (Germany, electorate of Saxony, Christian II, John George I and August, 1601-11, silver thaler of 1603, Dresden mint, piefort of double weight. Obverse: armored bust of Christian II right, holding a sword; reverse: facing armored busts of John George and August, fourteen escutcheons around. Rare, light traces of jewelry use, about Very Fine.)"
This type, struck 1601-05, shows Christian on the obverse and his brothers on the reverse. Christian II succeeded to the electorate in 1591, aged eight. Dominated by his mother, he lapsed into alcoholism and died of a heart attack, aged 27.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, 43 mm diameter, this specimen 57,95 g.
Catalog reference: KM 18, Schnee 757; Dav-7560.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Davenport, John S., German Secular Talers, 1600-1700, Frankfurt: Numismatischer Verlag, 1976.
- Gernot Schnee, Sächsiche Taler, 1500-1800, Frankfurt Am Main, P. N. Schulten, 1982.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 165, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2026.
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