I came to the show without much of an agenda other than to meet folks that I wanted to meet and hopefully find a few surprises for my collection. The new Hyatt setup was of concern, as we got used to the Waldorf (for good and for bad). However, overall, a positive experience with a clear benefit of having all dealers in one hall. Makes it much more managable and accessible. I found the show to be far more active than I expected. traffic was significant. While inventories, absent Atlas and a couple of others, were not competitive with the auction houses, they were more qualitative than prior. I saw many younger collectors which was great. Given the heightened activity level, I was able to sell/trade certain pieces to support more significant purchases. I have become more disciplined in my approach which is not easy, and I must say that patience does pay off, in spite of the painful wait. First coin is one of its kind. Purchased on Heritage's Platinum Night Sale and has a lot going for it and sorta speaks for itself. 2 Videos of the coin: Heritage's description below which probably captures the essence of the coin, however this coin really comes to life when held in hand. 1604 Rudolf II Taler, Hall mint, KM-25, DAV-3005. An incredible selection from start to finish, and one that demands total attention from the viewer at every turn. The surfaces are immaculate, but even better than that, they are drenched in a dramatic mélange of color--the obverse glows with magenta iridescence that envelopes the entirety of the legend and brightens the intricate portrait of Rudolf II, while the reverse glows with turquoise centers and a golden halo at the rims. The illustrations have benefitted from a precise strike, leaving the highest points incredibly crisp. Given the coveted "star" hallmark for outstanding appeal, and rightly so, as this coin easily bests any example previously offered, and is likely among the finest survivors of the type. NGC MS-67★ I meet up with another dealer who has this wonderful scarcer large flan Bohemian Taler waiting for me. Bohemia. 1702 GE (Mintmaster, Gregor Egerer). Prague mint, Leopold I Taler. DAV-1006. Dietiker-903. Herinek 657, Horsky- 2305, KM-611. Halacka-1394. Broad flan, superb issue for this scarcer type. This two year type (1696, 1702) is fairly scarce. The production of the Prague mint dwindled greatly after the devastation of the Thirty Years War.Pretty coin. NGC MS-63. I then participate in the Stacks auction (in the lobby using my cell phone) - tougher posthumous double taler that sold well under what it would in Europe. AUSTRIA. ND (1601-04). 2 Taler. Hall Mint. Archduke Ferdinand (1564-95) Taler. DAV-8119. M/T-308/310 (Die 1/3). Engraver: Peter Hartenbeck. "Reiherhut" type that appears in European auctions from time to time with relative scarcity. A few tiny natural planchet flaws on the archduke's portrait but fully struck. Lovely old cabinet tone displaying an attractive dove grey with a heather purple sheen and highlights amongst the devices of gold and red hues. This is generally considered to be a posthumous issue, dated 1595. Davenport notes a considerable number of talers and multiple talers struck for the archduke, DAV-8088 thru DAV-8103, all without dates. Good eye appeal and very attractive. NGC AU-53. On the second and last day for me, I bought this rare commemorative type. HUNGARY. 1896-KB Taler. X-13; Herinek-1106. Resembling the Emperor Ferdinand I (1526-1564) design. Millenium coinage for the celebration of the 1000 years for the conquest of Hungary. Obv: Half-length bust right holding orb and sceptre. Rev: Madonna and child above shield. Original strike. 100 pieces minted. Superbly toned matte gem, an extremely rare type and one of the finest surviving examples. NGC MS-65. Last but not least - I brought my 8 year old daughter (who loves coins or maybe the attention) to the show. She held a 6 Taler coin at Kunker's table. They let her do it while I was saying "don't drop it!".
Beautiful Coins! That first one especially was gorgeous. I too went to the Hyatt as well. It was quite enjoyable, and I also liked that every dealer was in the same room. As an entry-level, low budget collector, I didn't have a huge number of options when it comes to talers/thalers which I am interested in. But when I got to the Atlas booth, I found this which really screamed at me. I feel a little guilty to own it, as I don't know a whole lot about the coins of Germany and The Holy Roman Empire- Though I would like to learn more.
