Saxony 1605-HR thaler Dav-7566
This specimen was lot 1148 in Jean Elsen sale 159 (Brussels, June 2024), where it sold for €220 (about US$283 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ALLEMAGNE, SAXE, Christian II, Johann Georg Ier et August (1591-1611), AR Taler, 1605 HR, Dresde. D/ B. cuir. de Christian II à d., ten. une épée sur l'épaule. R/ B. cuir. f. à f. de Johann Georg et d'August. Griffes. Très Beau. (Germany, electorate of Saxony, Christian II, John George I and August, 1591-1611, silver thaler of 1605, Dresden mint. Obverse: armored bust of Christian II right, holding s sword; reverse: facing armored busts of John Goerge and August. Scratches, very fine.)"
The SCWC notes this type for 1604-11. A double thaler exists (Dav-7565) but is rare. A single thaler with a different reverse (KM 16/Dav-7561) exists for 1605. 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: 28.77 g, silver, 42 mm diameter, this specimen is 28,93 g.
Catalog reference: Schnee 767; Dav-7566, KM 24.
- Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
- 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 159, Collection Harry Dewit, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
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