Saxony 1595-HB 1/2 thaler

Jean Elsen sale 138, lot 968

This specimen was lot 968 in Jean Elsen sale 138 (Brussels, September 2018), where it sold for €140 (about US$194 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"ALLEMAGNE, SAXE, Christian II, Johann Georg Ier et August (1591-1611), AR demi-Taler, 1595HB, Dresde. D/ B. des trois frères de f. R/ Ecu sous trois heaumes. Très Beau. (Germany, electorate of Saxony, Christian II, John George I and Augustus, 1591-1611, silver half thaler of 1595, Dresden mint. Obverse: the three brothers facing; reverse: triple helmeted arms. Very Fine.)"

This type was struck in 1592-1601 for dukes Christian II, Johann Georg and August of Saxony. The SCWC notes that this type was struck by the regent Friedrich Wilhelm von Saxe-Altenburg on behalf of the three young brothers shown on the obverse. The coin is common for the era. Another half thaler exists for the 1590's with conventional baroque arms on the reverse (KM MB318).

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: silver, this specimen 14,42 g.

Catalog reference: KM MB319, Kohl 93.

Source:

• Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
• Nicol, N. Douglas, Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of German Coins, 1501-Present, 3rd ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2011.
• ^[1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 138, Collection A. BLONDEL, Collection M. HENDRICKX, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2018.

Link to:

• 1593-HB half thaler, baroque arms
• 1595 thaler
• 1595-HB double thaler
• 1596-HB half thaler, heart shaped arms reverse
• 1597 thaler
• 1605-HvR half thaler
• Coins and currency dated 1595
• return to coins of German States, Saxony