An outstanding thaler of August II the Strong.
A highly regarded date, this exceptionally preserved thaler comes with an elegant, lightly toned patina that clearly points to a very old collection in which it resided until now.
The very first issue of thalers with the initials IGS of Johann Georg Schomburg, mintmaster of the Dresden mint between 1716 and 1734.
Its exemplary state of preservation is confirmed by the highest—and only such high—grade in the NGC census.
A coin that will impress and overwhelm even the most experienced collector. Beautiful!
Obverse: bust right
D G FRID AUGUST REX POL DUX SAX I C M A & W
Reverse: under a crown two coats of arms, between them the date 1716 and initials IGS, hook below
SAC ROM IMP ARCHIM ET ELECTOR
Diameter: 45 mm
During the reign of Augustus the Strong, no mints of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth were active. Strictly speaking, no Polish or Lithuanian coins were struck at that time. In terms of legal status, the Leipzig issues belonged to Saxon coinage. Nevertheless, due to the use of Polish denominations and the king’s Polish name—August II, rather than Friedrich August as on Saxon coins—part of this group is classified as Polish coinage. These include six-groschen pieces, orts, thalers, half-ducats, and ducats. Additionally, the Moscow mint issued Lithuanian six-groschen coins, while the Gdańsk mint produced ducats, double ducats, and shillings. A significant part of the coinage of Augustus the Strong also consisted of commemorative issues, tokens, and private emissions.
