Friedland (1)630 3 kreuzer KM-51

Sincona sale 90, lot 1961

This specimen was lot 1961 in Sincona sale 90 (Zürich, May 2024), where it sold for 575 CHF (about US$760 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"TSCHECHIEN, Böhmen, Albrecht von Wallenstein, 1623-1634. 3 Kreuzer (Groschen) 1630, Jitschin. Münzmeister Georg Reick (Sonne). Stempelschneider war ein namentlich unbekannter aus Kuttenberg. Sehr schön-vorzüglich. (Bohemia, duchy of Friedland, Albrecht von Wallenstein, 1623-1634, three kreuzer or groschen of 1630, Jitschin mint. Very fine-extremely fine.)"

Wallenstein was born into the minor Protestant nobility of Bohemia but converted to Catholicism while attending university in Italy. Seeking glory, he pursued a military career and eventually became the commander of the imperial troops during the Thirty Years War. His successes against the Protestants aroused the suspicion of the emperor and he was dismissed in 1630. He retired to his duchy of Friedland in northern Bohemia. Imperial defeats at the hands of Gustavus Adolphus forced the emperor to recall him but distrust of his loyalty remained. He was assassinated by his officers with the emperor's connivance in 1634. He issued thalers 1626-33, all rare. This groschen was struck 1630-34. Numerous varieties exist. After Wallenstein's death, the duchy subsided into insignificance and no more coins were issued.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: silver, this specimen 1.56 g.

Catalog reference: KM 51, Poley 86.

Source:

• Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
• Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
• ^[1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 90, Münzen und Medaillen der Welt, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.

Link to:

• 1629 3 kreuzer
• 1629 half thaler
• 1629 10 ducats
• 1631 3 kreuzer, three shields reverse
• 1631 3 kreuzer, bust right
• 1631 ducat
• Coins and currency dated 1630