Watch List notes:

GERMANY. Bavaria. Karl Albrecht Election Silver Medal, 1742. Charles VII. PCGS MS-63.
Forschner-252; Wittelsbach-1881. Diameter: 28mm. Struck to mark the election of Karl Albrecht, elector of Bavaria, as Holy Roman Emperor. Toned, a few marks and die breaks on the reverse but no hairlines.

This medal was originally struck in gold as a double ducat. The death of Charles VI in 1740 caused a break in the male line of the Hapsburgs and Karl Albrecht claimed the throne as the nearest male relative. Supported by France and Frederick the Great of Prussia, his claim touched off the War of the Austrian Succession which enabled Frederick the Great to invade and annex Silesia. Charles VII died in 1745 and Maria Theresia's husband, Francis of Lorraine, was elected Emperor.

Estimate: $300.00- $500.00