GERMANY. Sachsen-Albertinische Linie. Kurfürstentum. Friedrich August III (I), 1763-1827. Doppeltaler 1786 (Silver, 46 mm, 46.47 g, 12 h), on the 'Beschert Glück' mine, and from its yield. By J. F. Stieler. FRIEDRICH AUGUST CHURFÜRST ZU SACHSEN Draped bust of Friedrich August to right,. Rev. BESCHERT GLÜCK FDGBR. OHNWEIT FREYBERG Mining scene, KAM IN AUSBEUTE IM / QUARTAL CRUCIS 1786 / 1/5 MARCK FEIN / SILBER below. Krug 1284. Merseburger 2518. Müseler 56.1.4/26. Schnee 1085. Vogelsang 845. Rare, mintage of only 700 pieces. Beautifully toned. Minor marks and slightly brushed, otherwise, about extremely fine.


The ‘Beschert Glück’ (‘bestows fortune’ in German) mine was among the richest in the Freiberg district, with production beginning as early as 1697. Between 1757 and 1896, it yielded some 223 metric tons of fine silver, along with nearly 27 million marks in revenue from lead, copper, and sulfur.

After decades of fluctuating returns, the mine entered a more prosperous phase, and in 1786 its operators petitioned for the right to issue a special coin type from the yield. By decree of the Elector, a Doppeltaler was struck for this purpose. With only 700 pieces minted, these imposing pieces became one of the most striking symbols of Freiberg’s legendary silver wealth - the very resource that underpinned the Saxon electors’ political power.