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March Signature Sale 3096 25-27 Mar 2021
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German States
Prussia. Friedrich II Restrike Speciestaler 1755-Dated (1787)-A MS64 NGC, Berlin mint, KM279 (Rare), Dav-2592, Marienburg-Unl., von Schrötter-1644, Neumann-293, Olding-369. Mintage: 16. A superb emission designed in the style of Northern German Rococo, this 1755-dated "species" taler of Friedrich the Great is arguably at the apex of the Prussian numismatic series. This challenging type is relentlessly pursued by modern collectors, though the initial issue, produced by Tobias Ernst, was met with disapproval from the King. He considered the style of the portraiture too rigid and stiff (steif), so the majority of the original mintage was melted.
In May of 1787, however, likely due to strong collector demand, Loos was authorized to reproduce the issue from the original dies, to a total number of just 16 pieces. The differences between the two are easily distinguished by their edges--the originals with a "leafed" edge design (Laubrand) and the restrikes with a reeded edge (Kerbrand). Gunther Hahn and Alfred Kernd'l were able to identify only three restrike examples that came to light after World War II, while the Standard Catalog of World Coins suggests only one original exists in the Berlin Münzkabinett (though Olding interestingly mentions three originals surviving).
Embellished with an ideal strike, this representative possesses all the trademarks of a specimen or Proof--its surfaces radiant with a glassy, hard-mirrored finish that overlays gunmetal and champagne patina. A spot of indigo tone near the base of the reverse only adds to the overall appeal. While a mere two examples have been certified by NGC to date, the fact that this coin ranks a full 24-grade points above the next finest (an XF40) is truly telling. It likely follows that this specimen may be the finest that exists. For reference, in February of 2018, another specimen achieved the equivalent of $68,500 in a European sale, suggesting full well that this offering will soar to even greater heights.
Ex. Künker Auction 81 (March 2003, Lot 4499)
https://coins.ha.com/itm/german-states/prussia/german-states-prussia-friedrich-ii-restrike-speciestaler-1755-dated-1787-a-ms64-ngc-/a/3096-30262.s?type=CoinArchives3096
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 40000-60000 USD
Prussia. Friedrich II Restrike Speciestaler 1755-Dated (1787)-A MS64 NGC, Berlin mint, KM279 (Rare), Dav-2592, Marienburg-Unl., von Schrötter-1644, Neumann-293, Olding-369. Mintage: 16. A superb emission designed in the style of Northern German Rococo, this 1755-dated "species" taler of Friedrich the Great is arguably at the apex of the Prussian numismatic series. This challenging type is relentlessly pursued by modern collectors, though the initial issue, produced by Tobias Ernst, was met with disapproval from the King. He considered the style of the portraiture too rigid and stiff (steif), so the majority of the original mintage was melted.
In May of 1787, however, likely due to strong collector demand, Loos was authorized to reproduce the issue from the original dies, to a total number of just 16 pieces. The differences between the two are easily distinguished by their edges--the originals with a "leafed" edge design (Laubrand) and the restrikes with a reeded edge (Kerbrand). Gunther Hahn and Alfred Kernd'l were able to identify only three restrike examples that came to light after World War II, while the Standard Catalog of World Coins suggests only one original exists in the Berlin Münzkabinett (though Olding interestingly mentions three originals surviving).
Embellished with an ideal strike, this representative possesses all the trademarks of a specimen or Proof--its surfaces radiant with a glassy, hard-mirrored finish that overlays gunmetal and champagne patina. A spot of indigo tone near the base of the reverse only adds to the overall appeal. While a mere two examples have been certified by NGC to date, the fact that this coin ranks a full 24-grade points above the next finest (an XF40) is truly telling. It likely follows that this specimen may be the finest that exists. For reference, in February of 2018, another specimen achieved the equivalent of $68,500 in a European sale, suggesting full well that this offering will soar to even greater heights.
Ex. Künker Auction 81 (March 2003, Lot 4499)
https://coins.ha.com/itm/german-states/prussia/german-states-prussia-friedrich-ii-restrike-speciestaler-1755-dated-1787-a-ms64-ngc-/a/3096-30262.s?type=CoinArchives3096
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 40000-60000 USD