I was the underbidder on this coin 2+ years ago. Priced high yet ended up regretting not pursuing further at the time. Same coin presented itself again a few days ago and is now part of the set. Tougher one year type and none look this nice in auction archives as they come heavily circulated. 1667. Leopold I (1657-1705) "The Hogmouth" 1/10 Taler. Hall Mint. KM-1248. Herinek 906. M-T 718. Obv: Half-length armored ruler right, holding scepter. Rev: Oval Arms in Collar of the Golden Fleece. A superb specimen with full gleaming mint brilliance and lovely multi-hued patina. Conditionally highly scarce one-year type with the date to the right of the Emperor. NGC MS-65.
How does a coin like that stay MS? Who immediately snatched it and put it in a collection? Just interesting to think who might have owned that.
Quite a few were set aside of the full Taler denomination. Fractionals and one year types as these, probably not as much. The person who took it is probably a collector seeking what I seek, eye appealing specimens. The quest never ends.
Well ok. I guess it was a more general thought regarding coins in the 400+ years old range. Probably some of the best specimens were in some pretty important/influencial hands.
