Sweden 1854-AG riksdaler specie Dav-354
This specimen was lot 5356 in Sincona sale 4 (Zürich, October 2011), where it sold for 850 CHF (about US$1,131 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEDEN Oscar I. 1844-1859 Riksdaler 1854. Selten in dieser Erhaltung. Patina. Vorzüglich-FDC. (Sweden, Oscar I, 1844-59, riksdaler of 1854. Rare in this condition, toned extremely fine to uncirculated.)"
This type was issued 1846-55 and is scarce in nice condition. Collecting Swedish coins is complicated by the multiple currency reforms the country underwent during the period. In 1798, 48 skilling = 1 riksdaler species and 2 riksdaler species = 1 ducat (the riksdaler species was 29.36 g, 0.878 fine silver). In 1830, 32 skilling banco = 1 riksdaler riksgald and 4 riksdaler riksgalds = 1 riksdaler species (the riksdaler species became 34 g, 0.750 fine silver). In 1855, the skilling was dropped and 400 öre = 4 riksdaler riksmynt = 1 riksdaler species (the riksdaler species remained unchanged). In 1873, the riksdaler species was dropped and 100 öre = 1 krona (the krona, at 7.5 g, 0.800 fine silver, was slightly smaller than the old riksdaler riksmynt). The system adopted in 1873 is still in use today, the Swedes having recently declined to adopt the euro.
Recorded mintage: 34,000.
Specification: 34 g, 0.750 fine silver, .819 troy oz ASW, this specimen 33,39 g.
Catalog reference: Dav-354, KM 667.
- [1]Numismatic Coins, Medals & Banknotes: Auction 4, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2011.
- Bjorne Ahlström, Yngve Almer and Bengt Hemmingson, Sveriges Mynt, 1521-1977, the Coinage of Sweden. Stockholm: Numismatika Bokförlaget AB, 1976.
- Delzanno, Roberto, Myntårsboken 2022, Sveriges Mynt 995-2021, 1:a upplagen, Stockholm, 2021.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
Link to: