Lot 588
German States -- Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel. Loser 3-Talers, 1685 (Zellerfeld). Dav/Sond-110a; Wel-1834; Museler-10.3.3. 78.43 grams. Rudolf August, 1666-1704. "Luck of the Lauthenthal Mines." Divided shield of arms, surmounted by five ducal helmets with elaborate crests. Reverse: Female lute player standing atop large snail; scene of mining works in the background. Elaborate engrailed rims. Again, an extraordinary example with an even, sharp strike (especially notable on the five ducal crests) on a lovely broad flan, with essentially problem-free surfaces and appealing old-cabinet toning, tending to multi-colored russets, greens or steel blues in the legends. Rare, especially in this wonderful state of preservation. NGC graded AU-58.
It must be understood how dangerously unpredictable mining was at this time. The Harz Mountains contained many silver mines, and the prosperity of Brunswick was closely tied to the mines' production. In this specimen we see a variety of myths brought to life on metal, the theme being the productivity of the mines blessed by good fortune.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
Illustrated in Money of The World, coin 101.
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| Realized $6,613 |
