Lot 487
Austria. Double Taler, ND (c. 1680) (Hall). Dav-3247; KM-1191; Henirek-571. 57.26 grams. Leopold I, 1657-1705. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, wearing the order of the Golden Fleece. Reverse: Crowned eagle, head left with wreath in beak, all within circular foliate border; inscription around. An especially fine example -- truly sharp, and free of the the usual striking problems. Minor obverse rim bruise; small planchet flaw on reverse. Appealing light to medium gray toning, very even, tending toward shades of pinkish gold, over abundant mint luster. Rare in this quality. NGC graded MS-65.
Leopold was probably a little behind the times in his antipathy toward Protestantism. In fact, his attempts at crushing Protestant revolts in Hungary led to the Turks marching against him. It was only through the wartime skill of the German Princes and John Sobieski of Poland that the Turks did not wipe out Vienna. We can only speculate how the future might have evolved had the Holy Roman Empire become a Turkish territory. Few silver coins of that era are so splendidly engraved and rendered as this coin.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
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| Realized $4,600 |
