Lot 654
German States -- Prussia. Reichstaler, 1776-A. Dav-2590; Old-70; v.Schr-462. Berlin mint. Friedrich II, The Great, 1740-1786. Laureate aged bust right. Reverse: Crowned eagle resting on armaments, including a cannon, date below. Breast of eagle a little soft, otherwise a choice strike. Fields and devices with muted satiny luster under very light toning. Especially nice for one of these, sometimes called "blood talers" because they were carried by Prussian soldiers paid by the British to fight in the American colonies during the American Revolutionary War. NGC graded MS-62.
Frederick continued his father's fundamental domestic policies. His chief priority was the care, strength and discipline of his army. Nevertheless, he instituted important legal and penal reforms, promoted education and accomplished internal improvements such as drainage projects, roads and canals. He also set up various trade monopolies to help create new industries within the country. Externally, he made war and territorial acquisition the prime instrument of his foreign policy for at least twenty-five years (his consistent jousting with Maria Theresa of Austria for territorial gains was the root cause of the Seven Years War, which was played out concurrently in the French and Indian War of America). After that, he resorted to diplomatic "brigandage" to accomplish the same ends. Note the "magical date" of this coin for American numismatists.
Estimated Value $800 - 900.
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| Realized $1,150 |
