Saxony 1611-HR 1/4 thaler
This specimen was lot 976 in Jean Elsen sale 165 (Brussels, June 2026), where it sold for €80 (about US$110 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ALLEMAGNE, SAXE, Christian II, Johann Georg Ier et August (1591-1611), AR quart de Taler, 1611 HR, Dresde. D/ B. cuirassé de Christian II à d., ten. une épée sur l'épaule. R/ B. cuirassés de Johann Georg et August f. à f. Très Beau. (Germany, electorate of Saxony, Christian II, John George I and August, 1601-11, silver quarter thaler of 1611, Dresden mint. Obverse: armored bust of Christian II right, holding a sword; reverse: facing armored busts of John George and August. Very Fine.)"
Saxony was one of the few states to issue an extensive series of quarter thalers. This type, struck 1601-11, shows Christian on the obverse and his brothers on the reverse. This date also comes with a swan mintmark. 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: 7.09 g, silver, 30-31 mm diameter, this specimen 7,20 g.
Catalog reference: KM 13, Kohl 109.
- 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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