Strasbourg 1759-JG 1/6 thaler
This specimen was lot 1985 in Jean Elsen sale 158 (Brussels, March 2024), where it sold for €170 (about US$221 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, STRASBOURG, Evêché, Louis-Constantin de Rohan-Guéménée (1756-1779), AR cinquième de Taler, 1759, Oberkirch. D/ B. à d. R/ Armoiries. Rare. Traces d'ajustage. Très Beau. (France, bishopric of Strasbourg, Louis-Constantin de Rohan-Guéménée, 1756-79, silver fifth thaler of 1759, Oberkirch mint. Obverse: bust right; reverse: arms. Rare, traces of adjustment marks, Very Fine.)"
The bishop, an overmighty French aristocrat who became embroiled in the "Affair of the Diamond Necklace", continued to issue coins long after France had annexed the actual town of Strasbourg. This type is accompanied by a twelfth thaler (KM 223) and a half thaler (KM 241). The last issue is a twenty kreuzer of 1773 (KM 162). The bishop (later cardinal) exiled himself during the French Revolution and died in Germany in 1803.
Reported Mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver; this specimen 5,75 g.
Catalog reference: KM 226, Engel-Lehr 305.
- 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, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 158, Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
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