AUSTRIA. Salzburg. Taler, 1681. Max Gandolph von Kuenburg. NGC AU-55; Countermark: Unc Standard.
cf.KM-229.3 (different host); Dav-3338 (for host type). Issued by local decree of 1681. Countermark of the Arms of Salzburg with date above divide as "16 S 81". Countermark applied to the obverse of a 1632 Hall mint Taler of Archduke Leopold V. A VERY RARE type seldom encountered in this state of preservation. The countermark is boldly applied with crisp well defined details, while the host exhibits only minor signs of handling and richly toned argent and slate surfaces. Immensely pleasing and alluring. Much like the later Franconian Circle issues of 1693-95 the archbishopric of Salzburg attempted to mitigate the damage to the local economy that the low quality German Talers then in circulation were causing. Unfortunately, since there was a charge of one Kreuzer for every Taler and two Pfennigs for every Half Taler charged to all citizens who brought there coins to be checked, many citizens refused. Thus the attempt failed with relatively few examples remaining today.
Estimate: $2500.00- $3500.00