GERMANY. Hessen-Kassel. Friedrich II, 1760-1785. Taler 1778 (Silver, 36 mm, 23.22 g, 12 h), so-called 'Sterntaler' or 'blood dollar'. Kassel. FRIDERICUS II.D.G.HASS.LANDG.HAN.COM. Bare bust of Friedrich II to right. Rev. EIN THALER. / 1778 Order of the Golden Lion. Davenport 2303. Müller 2715. Schütz 1962. Lacquered, cleaned and somewhat double struck, otherwise, extremely fine.


The reverse of these coins features the star of the Order of the Golden Lion, giving rise to their name, Sterntaler. These Talers were issued as compensation to families whose sons had died in the American Revolutionary War. Landgrave Friedrich II received substantial subsidies from the British in exchange for leasing troops to them. Consequently, in the United States, these coins became known as "blood dollars." This somber history inspired the fairy tale of the Sterntaler, later recorded by the Brothers Grimm in Kassel.