Henneberg-Ilmenau 1696-BA thaler Dav-7486

Sincona sale 20, lot 2442

This specimen was lot 2442 in Sincona sale 20 (Zurich, October 2014), where it sold for CHF 14,000 (about US$17,545 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted, "Taler 1696. Ilmenau Ausbeute der Ilmenauer Gruben. Dickabschlag von Halbtalerstempel im Talergewicht. Äusserst selten. Vorzüglich. (extremely rare, extremely fine.)" This thaler struck on half thaler dies does not resemble the Dav-7486 shown in the SCWC in the slightest, tho the count's arms match. It may be a rare pattern or mint sport, which would explain the astronomical price realized. The counts of Henneberg fell extinct in 1580, after which the county was co-ruled by various Saxon dukes. In this period, the rulers were Saxe-Gotha and Saxe-Weimar.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: silver, this specimen 29.21 g.

Catalog reference: KM 26, Dav-7486, Müseler 56.6/13. Anm. Arnold/Quellmalz 15 Anm.

Source:

• Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
• Davenport, John S., German Secular Talers, 1600-1700, Frankfurt: Numismatischer Verlag, 1976.
• ^[1]Richter, Jürg, Numismatic Coins & Medals: Auction 20, Zurich: Sincona AG, 2014.

Link to:

• Henneberg 1567 thaler Dav-9257
• Henneberg-Ilmenau 1692-BA 2/3 thaler with Franconian Circle countermark
• 1693-BA thaler
• 1697-BA thaler
• Coins and currency dated 1696
• return to coins of German States, Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach