GERMANY. Brandenburg-Preußen. Friedrich II der Große (the Great), 1740-1786. 1/6 Taler 1766 F (Copper, 25 mm, 4.11 g, 12 h), a contemporary imitation, uncertain mint. FRIDERIC[US] BORUSSORUM REX Laureate head of Friedrich II to right. Rev. 6 / EINEN / REICHS / THALER / 17-✱F✱-66 in five lines. Cf. Olding 129 and Von Schrötter 634 (for prototype). Some adjustment marks and deposits on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.


The 1/6 thalers of Friedrich II were the main denomination carried by German soldiers throughout the second half of the eighteenth century. During the Seven Years' War (1756–1763) in particular, and for several years afterward, official issues were frequently struck to a reduced silver standard. Even official mints struck imitations of these coins from neighboring territories.

What makes the present specimen especially interesting is that it appears to be a contemporary unofficial imitation, as the crude portrait and uneven lettering clearly reveal the hand of an inexperienced die engraver. The adjustment marks may even have been added intentionally in an effort to disguise the crude workmanship of the dies, lending the coin the appearance of an officially produced issue.