Catalogo
| Emittente | Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg, Duchy of |
|---|---|
| Anno | 1764 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1/2 Thaler |
| Valuta | Thaler (1680-1826) |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 14 g |
| Diametro | 35.5 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round |
| Tecnica | |
| Orientamento | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Steguweit#263, Slg. Merse#3245 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Bust facing right surrounded by name and name of the Duchy. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Latin |
| Legenda del dritto | FRIDER.III.GOTHAN.SAXONVM.DVX. |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Arms of the Duchy encircled by the Garter with its motto, with lion supporters and crown above, date below, value around left and right. Frederick III, brother of the Princess of Wales Augusta, was made Foreign Knight of the Garter by Georg II in 1741, hence the Garter in his coat of arms. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Latin |
| Legenda del rovescio | XX.EINE // FEINE MARK HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE 1764 |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
1764 - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1448960280 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This 1/2 Thaler was issued in 1764 by Frederick III (Friedrich III), Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg, who reigned from 1732 to 1772. The Duchy, a significant Ernestine Saxon territory within the Holy Roman Empire, experienced a period of relative stability and cultural patronage under his rule. Frederick III was known for his support of the arts and sciences, expanding the ducal library and promoting Enlightenment ideals. This coinage represents a standard circulating medium of exchange during a time when German states were navigating complex political landscapes and consolidating their economic influence, reflecting the ducal authority and economic stability of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg in the mid-18th century.
Artistry: The design of this 1/2 Thaler reflects the prevailing Late Baroque and early Rococo styles common in German coinage of the period. While the specific engraver for the Gotha mint in 1764 is not always explicitly documented on the coin itself, the work would have been executed by a master die-cutter from the ducal mint. The obverse typically features a finely rendered bust of Frederick III, often in formal attire or military dress, encircled by his ducal titles. The reverse displays the elaborate, crowned ducal coat of arms of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg, replete with intricate heraldic charges and often flanked by mantling, clearly indicating the issuing authority and denomination.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, with a weight of 14 grams and a diameter of 35.5 mm, this 1/2 Thaler is a substantial piece. For optimal grading, collectors should examine the high points of the design. On the obverse, these typically include the highest curls of Frederick III's wig, the tip of his nose, and any folds in his drapery or uniform. On the reverse, the crown atop the shield and the most intricate details within the heraldic charges are critical areas. A well-struck example will exhibit sharp detail in these areas, with minimal flatness, and a generally even strike across the planchet, though minor central weakness can occasionally be observed due to the opposing high-relief elements.