1 Thaler - Joachim Murat Cassataler

Historical Context: The 1807 1 Thaler, known as the Cassataler, was issued under Joachim Murat, Grand Duke of Berg and brother-in-law to Napoleon Bonaparte. Established in 1806, the Grand-duchy of Berg was a key Napoleonic satellite state within the Confederation of the Rhine, carved from former ecclesiastical territories and duchies in western Germany. This coinage reflects Murat's brief but significant rule (1806-1808) before he became King of Naples, symbolizing French imperial dominance and the restructuring of German political landscapes during the Napoleonic Wars.

Artistry: This Thaler exemplifies the Neoclassical artistic school prevalent across Napoleonic Europe. While the engraver is typically uncredited, the design adheres to the contemporary imperial aesthetic. The obverse features a finely rendered bust of Joachim Murat, usually facing right, characterized by its clean lines and classical profile. The reverse commonly displays a majestic imperial eagle with spread wings, often clutching a thunderbolt, a potent symbol of Napoleonic power, accompanied by the denomination and date.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .751 fine silver, weighing 17.323 grams with a 36mm diameter, this coin generally exhibits good striking quality. Key high-points for grading include the highest strands of Murat's hair, his cheekbone, and the drapery of his shoulder on the obverse. On the reverse, attention should be paid to the eagle's head, breast feathers, and the tips of its wings. Areas prone to weakness might include the finer details of the eagle's talons or the lettering due to die wear or planchet variations.