Werden and Helmstedt 1765 thaler Dav-2844
This specimen was lot 20670 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2019), where it sold for $3,120. The catalog description[1] noted,
"GERMANY. Werden & Helmstaedt. Taler, 1765. Anselm von Sonius. PCGS AU-58 Gold Shield. Abbey Coinage issue. Obverse: Saint in cloud above two abbeys (located in Werden and Helmstaedt); Reverse: Ornate arms. An impressive type in all regards, featuring a captivating design and wonderful strike execution, with all of the design's intricate details showing virtually full. Obviously delicately preserved for centuries, the fields on both sides maintain delightful gleam, while antiqued golden tone has nested around many of the raised surfaces. Very few marks appear over the surfaces as well, which results in an appearance that easily surpasses that typically seen at the assigned grade. A great Taler overall, certain to bring significant pride to its next owner. The abbeys of Werden and Helmstedt were founded by Bishop Ludger of Munster around the year 800. After nearly two hundred years of establishment, Emperor Otto II granted the abbeys coining right in 974, but it wasn't until the 11th century that the first known coins from the monasteries were actually produced. From the 16th century through the 18th century, issues became somewhat regular albeit small, with 1765 (this type) marking their final output. Less than 50 years later, in 1803, the abbeys' combined grounds, which amounted to 50 square miles, were secularized and annexed by Prussia. From the Linda Collection."
This rare type, the last issue from this locale, is rare but less so than its predecessors, Dav-2842 and -2843.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, 43 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Dav-2844; KM-72.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Davenport, John S., German Talers, 1700-1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1965.
- Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The August 2019 Chicago ANA Auction: World Coins, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2019.
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