Wurzburg 1702 1/2 thaler KM-223
This specimen was lot 1050 in Sincona Auction 100 (Zürich, October 2025), where it sold for 30,000 CHF (about US$45,216 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"DEUTSCHLAND Würzburg, Bistum. Johann Philipp von Greiffenklau-Vollraths, 1699-1719. 4 Dukaten 1702, Würzburg. Goldabschlag von den Halbtalerstempeln. IOAN.PHILIP.D.G.EP.HERE.S.R.I.PR.FR.OR.DVX. Brustbild im geistlichen Ornat nach rechts. Rv. SEMPER - IDEM. Wappen von zwei Greifen gehalten auf einem Landschaftsabschnitt mit grosser Tanne, im Abschnitt die Jahreszahl. Von grösster Seltenheit. Einziges bekanntes Exemplar. Vorzüglich. Felder stellenweise etwas geglättet. Exemplar der Auktion Frankfurter Münzhandlung GmbH 153, Frankfurt, November 2019, Los 203. (Germany, bishopric of Würzburg, John Phillip of Greiffenklau-Vollraths, 1699-1719, quadruple ducat of 1702, Würzburg mint, struck using half thaler dies. Obverse: bust right in bishops robes; reverse: arms supported by two griffins, landscape behind, pine tree above, date in exergue. Of the highest rarity, The only known specimen, Extremely Fine, Fields partially slightly tooled.)"
The bishop would often go a decade without striking any coins but in 1702, he issued four different half thalers (KM 223, 224, 225, 226). The silver half thaler is rare but this off-metal strike seems to be unique. Unlike his predecessor or his successor, Johann Philipp was not simultaneously bishop of Bamberg.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen gold, 13.75 g.
Catalog reference: KM 223, Helmschrott unlisted (vgl. 504, Half thaler). Fr. unlisted.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 100: SINCONA Jubilee Auction, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
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