NEWP: 1680 Transylvania Thaler of Michael Apafi - NGC AU 50 - ex. Goodman (1996, 2002)

anthonythecoinman

TRANSYLVANIA (Michael Apafi) | RARE 1680 Thaler - NGC AU 50 (Top Pop!) | Alba Lulia Mint | Choice w/ Original Patina, Sharp Portrait and Undergraded | ex. Irving Goodman (1996)

Hi! Here is my favorite acquisition for September and the 2nd half of 2025, to be honest!

Without further ado, this is a classic and popular Thaler of Transylvania and was minted in 1680. It is one of the LATER DATE Transylvanian Thalers, which I personally do not see as much when compared to the prolific Thalers of Sigismund Barthory and the rather accessible 1621 Gabriel Bethlen types.

This piece is the sole, straight graded example across NGC and PCGS.

Overall, these Transylvanian Thalers are popular due to their scarcity when generally compared to, say, a Hall Thaler, as well as their interesting portraits. I personally am a fan of the hats and busts of these Princes and how they are different from those on German, Austrian, and even Italian Thalers.

On the obverse, we see the bust of Apafi with a cap and sword and the reverse features the crowned arms with a cool sun and a moon within it!

This @ngccoins AU 50 Thaler is choice and personally, I feel under graded. Holistically, the portrait details are sharp with light wear on the high points and both sides feature bold denticles. The reverse coat of arms is also ornate with details like the legends and central design elements clearly elucidated.

The piece is well and evenly struck with lovely toning that accentuates the portrait, even from afar. In terms of eye appeal, the piece is well balanced with a sharp bust (clarity in feathered fur cap and ornate breastplate/armor) and original patina or a “natural skin!” I personally want to find pieces that are nice for the grade, with a natural, unaltered patina as many of these come with problems such as cleaning or mounting damage.

Lastly, this piece has a super cool and awesome pedigree traced to the 1996 Goodman Sale from Superior (Lot 4993) and the subsequent 2002 Goodman Sale from Goldberg Auctions @goldberg_auctions (Lot 1046), where it hammered for 1,783 USD.
References: Krause 474A, Davenport 4818, Resch-237

worldcoinguy

Stunning taler! Has nice surfaces and a desirable look to it That is a tough piece.

Bob13

Looks like a nice solid coin!

MEJ7070

Love the original looking surfaces!

anthonythecoinman

@worldcoinguy said:
Stunning taler! Has nice surfaces and a desirable look to it That is a tough piece.

Thank you! Was stoked to get my ball rolling even quicker with my Thaler type set! I appreciate the support.

anthonythecoinman

@Bob13 said:
Looks like a nice solid coin!

Thanks so much Bob!

anthonythecoinman

@MEJ7070 said:
Love the original looking surfaces!

I appreciate it! Love the originality here for this roller pressed Thaler!

anthonythecoinman