Saxony 1817-IGS 10 thaler Fr-2882
This specimen was lot 29873 in Heritage sale 3040 (Chicago, April 2015), where it sold for $7,637.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "Saxony. Friedrich August I gold 10 Taler (2 August d'or) 1817-IGS MS63 Prooflike NGC, Dresden mint. A simplistically designed beauty featuring the classic bust of Friedrich August I and crowned coat of arms within branches. Presenting amber-tinged, golden surfaces and virtually as-struck devices, this prooflike specimen wows from start to finish. Additionally, there is a small obverse die crack that follows the curve of the legend and very faint reverse adjustment marks that are barely visible to the unaided eye. Presently, this is singularly the finest-known certified example of this date, which also happens to be the final year of this particular series. A piece that is rarely available in the marketplace, and one that should elicit a substantial amount of interest among collectors." 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. This type is listed for 1806-17 and despite the steady production, is rare. The denomination was terminated in 1854. This coin was also called a double august d'or and was equal to a Prussian double friedrichs d'or.
Recorded mintage: unknown but rare.
Catalog reference: D.S. 180, Schl. 749, Fr-2882, KM 1055.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage Signature Auction 3040, featuring the Santa Maria, the Alan Dean and the Valley View Life Collections, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2015.
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