Saxony 1802-C 1/48 thaler
This specimen was lot 74763 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $60. The catalog description[1] noted, "GERMANY. Saxony-Albertine. 1/48 Taler, 1802-C. Dresden Mint. Friedrich August III. NGC MS-65. Golden amber iridescence flows across fields packed with luster. The slightly jagged flan adds character and the semblance of age, but Gem quality surfaces have remained pristine all these years, giving the impression of a freshly minted coin. The finest of only two examples encapsulated by NGC, the other being MS-61." This type was struck thru several reigns as it did not bear the ruler's name. It was struck 1764-65, 1771, 1779-81, 1785, 1793, 1799, 1802-06 and is common. This denomination equalled half a groschen. The elector of Saxony consistently stood as an ally of Napoleon during his invasions of Germany, for which he was promoted to king in 1806. After Napoleon's fall, Saxony was punished by having half her territory annexed to Prussia but Frederick Augustus kept his new title.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 0.97 g, 0.250 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-966.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The November 2022 Collectors Choice Ancient & World Coins Auction, Featuring the Pat Johnson Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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