Rare and impressive thaler struck in Wrocław in 1645, during the reign of Ferdinand III Habsburg.
Issued from the Wrocław mint, bearing the initials MI of Michael Jan, mint warden from 1637 to 1648. This coin represents one of the most distinguished issues of 17th-century Silesian coinage.
The obverse features an excellent portrait of the emperor, crowned, in richly decorated armour and cloak. It is among the most impressive iconographic renditions of Ferdinand III to appear on large silver denominations of the period. The reverse displays the majestic Habsburg coat of arms supported by a double-headed eagle, surmounted by the imperial crown, with the mintmaster’s initials flanking the figure.
The specimen shows a well-preserved relief, with no significant wear on the emperor’s face and crown. The fields bear light traces of handling, not affecting the clarity of detail. The reverse eagle and shield are sharply struck, covered with an attractive, even patina enhancing the design’s plasticity.
Thalers of Ferdinand III are highly regarded and sought after, with issues from the Wrocław mint appearing on the market comparatively seldom. The present specimen is an excellent opportunity for collectors of Silesian coinage as well as enthusiasts of large 17th-century silver – highly recommended!
Silesia, Habsburg rule, Ferdinand III (1637-1657), Thaler 1645, Breslau mint
Variety with initials MI of Michał Jan, wardain of Breslau mint in 1637-1648.
Obverse: crowned bust of emperor, right
[rosette]FERDINANDVS III D:G R IM SE AV GE HVN BO REX DVX SIL
Reverse: under the crown, the two-headed Imperial Eagle with a five-field heraldic shield on its chest, and the initials MI on the sides
ARCHIDVX·AVST·DVX-BVRG·M·MOR·C·T·1645
Diameter 45 mm, weight 28.52 g
