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.
From the old stock of a late Swiss coin dealer.
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).
