AUSTRIA. Holy Roman Empire. Maria Theresia, Empress, 1740-1780. Taler (Silver, 41 mm, 27.87 g, 12 h), uncertain mint in Northern Italy, dated 1780, but a later restrike from circa 1790. M•THERESIA•D:G• - R•IMP•HU•BO•REG• Diademed and veiled bust of Maria Theresia to right, below S T / S•F•. Rev. ARCHID•AUST•DUX• - BURG•CO•TYR•1780•X• Crowned and nimbate double eagle with coat of arms on its chest. Hafner 35. Nicely toned. Minor marks and scratches, otherwise, good very fine.


To this day, it remains uncertain whether these pieces with the mysterious 'S T' above 'S•F•' were struck in Venice, Florence, or Milan.