I won an auction on EBay for a 1761 Bavarian Thaler. Here is the link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/German-State-Bayern-1761-Thaler-/311961028177?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&nma=true&si=KoD0da6BF0S9czWWrnZPhRbdYVQ%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc The coin is listed in Numista as having a weight of 28.06 gm and a diameter of 41.5mm. Numismaster lists it at diameter of 40-41mm and gives no weight. The coin arrived today and has a weight of 27.47 gm and diameter of 40.9mm. The discrepancies in diameter with Numista is significant but it is within the limits of Numismaster. The weight is about 2% low but this is the first 18th century thaler I have bought so I do not know if that amount of wear is reasonable for a 250 year old coin. Anyway, all this makes me wonder if it is real or a fake. The seller has excellent feedback. Anyone with experience with these have any idea? I did not post pictures of my own because those on the auction are more than adequate.
Photo not good enough to have an opinion; however, the adjustment marks on the reverse are a good sign that it is genuine.
The coin isn't of a very high caliber, so I couldn't imagine someone faking it. Check for: •Rim filing •varieties The time period of the coin is extremely prone to variety what with the different fiefdoms and what not. Perhaps it is also a time period fake. Better pictures, better prognosis.
Looks like it may have been cleaned, but otherwise appears genuine. Great pickup for a first 18th century thaler at that price
Thanks to all who replied. I am going to assume it is okay. I had no reason to doubt the seller as he has lots of good feedback. I was just the weight which concerned me but none of you seems to think that was a problem.
Looks good, but the grade is below most collector's desired state of preservation, hence the lower price.
I hope I don't live that long - it ain't the looking good, it's the feeling good. Like Betty Davis said, "Getting old isn't for sissies."
