GERMANY. Schwarzburg-Sondershausen. Taler 1608 (Silver, 42 mm, 28.74 g, 2 h), in corporation with Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Erfurt HC (mintmaster Hieronymus Cronberger). (HC)GVNT•ANTH•HEIN•CAR• - GVN•HA•GVN•CHR•GVN Helmeted coat of arms; above, date 16-08. Rev. LVD•GVN•ALB•GVVN•COM•IN•SCHWARTZ•ET•HONS St. Martin on horseback riding right, cutting his cloak and presenting it to sitting beggar; above, globus cruciger. Davenport 7677. Fischer 185. KM 17. Rare. Stained and with minor metal flaws on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.



This renowned and highly coveted coin, known as the Martinstaler or Bettlertaler (i.e., Beggar's Taler), was minted collaboratively by the counties of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen and Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. The legend features the following counts: Günther XLII (1593-1643), Anton Heinrich (1594-1638), Karl Günther (1605-1630), Johann Günther II (1600-1631), Christian Günther (1601-1642), Ludwig Günther I (1605-1646), and Albrecht Günther (1605-1634).