Strasbourg (1608) 1/3 thaler
This specimen was lot 1450 in Jean Elsen sale 150 (Brussels, March 2022), where it sold for €120 (about US$159 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, STRASBOURG, Evêché, Charles de Lorraine (1593-1607), AR teston (quart d'écu), s.d., Saverne. Au titre d'évêque de Strasbourg et de Metz. D/ B. à g. en habit épiscopal. R/ ·ALSAS· LANDGRA· Armoiries sous le chapeau de cardinal. Très Beau. (France, bishopric of Strasbourg, Charles of Lorraine, 1593-1607, undated silver teston or quarter écu, Saverne mint, struck in the name of the bishop of Strasbourg and mint. Obverse: bust left in bishop's robe; reverse: arms under a cardinal's hat. Very Fine.)"
The SCWC lists this type for 1602-07 and undated (1608, shown here). This type was issued by the bishop. The city of Strasbourg, strongly Protestant, issued its own coins but no third thalers. Strasbourg was annexed to France in 1681.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 9.14 g, silver, 29-30 mm diameter, this specimen 8,40 g.
Catalog reference: KM 244, Engel-Lehr 254; coll. Robert 703.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Roberts, James N., The Silver Coins of Medieval France (476-1610 AD), S. Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1996.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 150: Collection J.F.L. Blankenberg, Monnaies de l'Orient Latin, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2022.
Link to:
- bishop of Strasbourg 1604 1/3 thaler = teston
- city of Strasbourg (1610) 1/2 thaler
- Coins and currency dated 1608