Saxony 1663-CR 4 thaler Dav-LS402

Heritage sale 3096, lot 30279

This specimen was lot 30279 in Heritage auction 3096 (Dallas, TX, March 2021), where it sold for $36,000. The catalog description^[1] noted,

"Exceedingly Rare Saxon 4 Taler. German States: Saxony. Johann Georg II 4 Taler 1663-CR AU Details (Obverse Graffiti) NGC, Dresden mint. Constantin Rothe as mintmaster. Incredibly rare, with only a small handful of examples known, and this very coin's previous auction listing in 1971 postulating an existence of a mere two specimens. This is, with all likelihood, the only opportunity that collectors will have to acquire a representative of this type. Featuring Johann George II standing in regal posture with sword in hand, wearing full armor and dress, the large format of this piece serves as a fitting canvas for the majestic design. Sometimes referred to as a confessional taler (Beichttaler), used by the Prince-Elector in the confessional, the example here demonstrates a soft graphite patina that lies with balanced uniformity across the surfaces--conferring a commendable sense of both age and long-maintained collector preservation--darkening slightly against the raised devices, and delicately brightened by the gleam of underlying argent luster. Taken together, these traits result in a bold and beautifully designed coin, essentially medallic in its scale and presentation, with the denomination shallowly and ever-so-carefully etched into the right obverse field, possibly by a collector many generations ago. Ex. Leu Numismatik Auction 80 (May 2001, Lot 435); Dr. Werner Koch Collection (Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger October 1971, Lot 1615) From the Paramount Collection."

This type was accompanied by KM 474/Dav-LS406 (thaler), KM 504/Dav-LS404 (double thaler), Dav-LS405 (1½ thaler) and KM 505/Dav-LS403 (triple thaler).

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: silver, this specimen 116.45 g.

Catalog reference: KM 506 (Rare), Dav-LS402, Dassdorf-Unl., Merseburger-1171, Schnee-916 (this coin cited).

Source:

• Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
• Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
• Davenport, John S., Large Size Silver Coins of the World, 16th-19th Centuries, 3rd Ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 1991.
• Gernot Schnee, Sächsiche Taler, 1500-1800, Frankfurt Am Main, P. N. Schulten, 1982.
• ^[1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano and Warren Tucker, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3096, featuring the Paramount Collection of World & Ancient Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.

Link to:

• 1663-CR double thaler
• 1664-CR thaler, helmet on table
• 1666 ⅓ thaler
• 1667-CR thaler, cap on table
• Coins and currency dated 1663