Austrian coin, part of small collection we just inherited, and cannot find any that look like it in my searches so far, I'm not a coin guy but it's interesting, I'm into history so, time to do some research and ask for some of your expert help here on this great forum site. It says on the face, which you refer to as the obverse (?) - Leopoldvs D:G:ROM:IMP:S:A:G:H:B:REX The coin is mounted so I can't see the other side, sorry. As you can see from the not so great attached pic I just took, there is no number/value on it. Size, 1 5/8 inches, 41cm across. Thanks in advance! TD
I'd guess it's a Leupold (HogMouth) Thaler. I'm not sure of the year, only you know that Too bad it's mounted unless as you said it a family heirloom. In either case it's an item to be cherished Bone Oh, and Welcome to the group. Your at the right place to ask about this coin
Hogmouth, I get it! So what's the next step re valuation? Bone, thanks... and after reading your description and doing some searches, I get why he's called 'hogmouth', wow, that guy was ugly. But I can't find one like this in any of the pics I see even when I narrow the search to the info you supplied, they all have some value number on the face, instead like ours where the profile/decoration fills the whole coin and there are no numbers. Do I need to dismount it, no big deal, and see the reverse side? (that sounds like one of those 'duh' type questions, I forgive you in advance if that's your reply). TD
found similar coin but not same, fyi Still digging.. found this pic (http://128.192.145.172/foreign2/1695ost1t.jpg) which the site its' on lists as an "1695-Austria-1 taler -Tyrol", the site where it's listed is at http://128.192.145.172/dan35.html 'Medieval Coins I" under 'Austria/coins of leopold the hogmouth'. But no talk there of valuation. Hey, I'm up for cherishing it if it's worth a few hundred dollars or so, but if it's something really special, I'd either 1) sell it to someone who collects and would truly appreciate it or 2) insure it on a rider to our homeowners. Thanks once again in advance for any help! TD
There is nothing on the reverse (otherside) of the coin? The date may be split like 16 56 or something like that and at the top or bottom. That being said I'd guess it's from the 1600s. B
OOPS, I missed your question. Here is an ebay link with a price of $225 which didn't sell, http://cgi.ebay.com/Austria-1698-Si...ryZ39479QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem. I've seen (unmounted) pieces like this go for $150-$200 but sadly with the mounting you can expect only $30 or so. Me, I'd keep it as a family treasure B
Bone, thanks, that's the info I was seeking.. now I have some idea what it is, where from and the value so I can at least talk about it with a scratch of knowledge. Owe ya. TD
But.. the art is different, that signify different year? The design on mine versus for example the one that Bone so kindly cites, is different; it is like mine in that there is no number on the face, but mine has what looks like a tiny cherub or maybe it's just fancy scrollwork in the lower left. Whatever, it's different than other 'hogmouth' Talers I've found images of online so far. So does that just mean it's a different year and still basically the same otherwise, or within one year/type/value of coin in those days did they vary the art a bit? yes, I'm totally ignorant but I am trying. TD
to CoinTalk TD. Your coin resembles some of the 1701-05 thalers (and other denominations) from the last years of Leopold's reign. The designs of several denominations from different mints are similar, so the actual diameter would be extremely helpful in attributing this one. One of the possibilities is KM#644.4, a 41mm silver thaler of relatively low value. The damage done to yours by mounting it in jewelry has brought it's net grade to no more than VG, which is valued at $25 in the 18th Century 3rd Ed. of the Standard Catalog of World Coins regardless of issue year. Another possibilitiy, if it is only 34mm, is KM#176, which is not illustrated, but has a description is very similar to KM#188, a 1/2 thaler of Joseph I from the Brieg mint.
You nailed it probably, thanks all!! yes, 41mm exactly Thanks for the great info - I did measure it previously and it's exactly 41mm wide, and I don't doubt it's not rare plus, yes it was abused by being made into jewely (but the history of whomever wore this thing would be worth something perhaps!). The coin and others like it came from my deceased 86 year old mother-in-law's estate. Her father was quite an adventurer and traveled the world, and served in India and other locales in the process in the late 19th and early 20th century, I imagine it was his. In any case, thanks to you and Bone for the time, effort and great feedback on this request. I hope your already good karma improves even more for your generosity. TD
