A very rare and exceptionally interesting thaler klippe of Augustus II the Strong, struck in Dresden in 1708 on the occasion of ceremonial shooting competitions held in honour of the assembled Saxon Estates.
The issue was connected with a ceremonial bird and target shooting competition (Vogel- und Scheibenschießen), held in Dresden on 13 February 1708. The occasion for the issue is recorded directly in the coin’s legend: ZU ERGETZUNG DER VERSAMLETEN STAENDE 13 FEBR 1708, meaning “For the entertainment of the assembled Estates, 13 February 1708.”
Shooting competitions formed an important part of the ceremonial life of the Saxon court. Organized on the occasion of assemblies, visits and court festivities, they combined marksmanship with elaborate court ceremony. Klippes struck for such events served as special commemorative pieces, their distinctive square form clearly distinguishing them from regular circulating coinage.
Within the coinage associated with the rulers of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, this is one of the very few klippe issues struck by a Polish monarch.
Variety with closed flowers in the corners of the obverse.
An example with original mint lustre in the fields.
Based on the available online auction archives, this appears to be the first offering of this type in Poland!
A very rare and exceptionally interesting thaler klippe of Augustus II the Strong, struck in Dresden on 13 February 1708 for the shooting competitions held in honour of the assembled Saxon Estates. An impressive example of Baroque commemorative coinage, further distinguished by an outstanding provenance from the Potocki Collection and bearing its characteristic ownership punch on the obverse. A beautiful and remarkably impressive specimen that is certain to captivate when viewed in hand.
Obverse: crowned RAR monogram, floral ornaments in the corners
Reverse: view of the shooting range with a perch for birds
ZU ERGETZUNG DER VERSAMLETEN STAENDE 13 FEBR 1708
Dimension 38 x 38 mm, weight 20.52 g
