I have been seeing many auctions for this coins. http://cgi.ebay.com/Austria-1780-Ma...673?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a5f1ad709 It is supposedly a restrike of the 1780 Thaler and someone even claims it was restruck around 1800's. Does anyone know more about this and how much it is worth?
The 1780 Maria Theresa Thaler has been struck in many places around the world since 1780. They continue to be minted today. Most of what you see are modern strikes that should not sell for much over melt. There are websites that show the diagnostics for determining earlier strikes. They are still used on the Arabian peninsula as a trade currency. I witnessed transactions using the coins in Saudi Arabia in the 1990s.
I'll post an intro after this, but after lurking on this site reading up on stuff, I noticed this thread. I was the one who won the bid and I buy them as silver/gift/conversation starters. They were one of the first coins used for international trade, and while spending some time in and around the Middle East you could find these in different souks and jewelry stores. Some of the more tribal type places can still convert them in to goods I you want to feel old school and pay with a huge silver coin. 0.75 Oz of silver + a little premium makes ~$18 not so bad, and the convenience of me not driving around is great, especially since I work primarily graveyard shifts and no coin dealer I know of is willing to stay open at prime "rob me" time. I'd pay $20 for a very nice prooflike example, just for the pretty factor. Other than that these re-strikes are usually valued only at spot price + a couple of dollars. They make nice graduation presents for those that have any interest in history. I was tempted a few times to take them back when I heard, "It looks alright, but what am I gonna do with it?" That phrase chaps me wrong when it comes to silver/gold coins. I just love the way the reverse looks. I like 'em enough that I buy holed Bedouin examples, jewelry made from them, and around my neck I actually have two that were made into a necklace type thing that were given to me in the Middle East. Those are special, cause I wonder if the dude is still alright. It came with holed Morgan dollars too (coin Gods don't strike me, the years are very common and not rare at all). The link posted above is a great reading resource, and since I got my first one I've been addicted to them. They're definitely "different", and I think anyone who is in to international affairs and history should own at least one, haha. One won't break the bank by any means.
Forum member JD White's Maria Theresa site is another fantastic resource on the restrikes and their attribution.
@socaldsal : I guess I lost the auction to you Bidding on another from the same seller, I am having difficulty determining if the coin is a Hafner 49a type though.
Brokencompass, most of the ones I've gotten from the bay are H61a's and H62's. I'm assuming these will be as well, judging from the seller using the same stock photo; you can see a rubber band line, or something like it, on the coin. The only H49a type that I have is the same one that's around the neck, well worn and almost slick. If only that one could talk. Nothing personal on the bid, just remember to keep your bid sub $20 and you're doing good with these as far as today's silver spot price is concerned. I do wish I could grab them for around $6 again, that would be a blast.
