1779 Prussian Thaler of Frederick II. Big Colonial-Era Silver.

Weiss

On Money of the Early Americans, the Red Book says "Nearly all foreign coins were accepted for purchases. The most popular were French Luis, English guineas, German thalers, Dutch ducats, and various Spanish coins." --2018 spiral bound, page 11.

This piece could very well have been used by one of the more than 30,000 German troops--roughly 1/4th of Britain's strength--who fought against the American colonies in the war for our independence. Washington defeated the Hessians the day after Christmas in Trenton in 1777, but it wouldn't be until 1781 that he and Rochambeau would defeat Cornwallis (and still more Hessians) at Yorktown.

Interestingly, Frederick II (The Great) was the first world leader to recognize the United States of America when he signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, negotiated by Thomas Jefferson and signed by Frederich II and George Washington in 1785.

This thaler predates the Constellatio, Immune Columbia, Massachusetts cents, Connecticut and New Jersey coppers, the Brasher doubloon, and the Fuigo coppers by several years. And of course, "Thaler" is the word from which "Dollar" is derived.

It's a big, bold, impressive piece that just drips with history. Consistent steel grey tone, even wear. Some mint luster remains. .As a type coin it's got phenomenal presence and is so much more interesting than an 8 reale.

The 1779-A (Berlin) is a better date with a mintage of only 398,661.

Asking just $159 shipped with a 3-day money back guarantee.

And it goes without saying;

Musky1011

That is a nice one for the money

Weiss

Thursday bump. At least tell me the images are beautiful

MattTheRiley

Sweet coin! Isn't it supposed to be .750 fine, or does the sigma not discriminate to that level of distinction?

Weiss

The Sigma works within preset parameters. This image is simply to show this historic raw coin is silver.

SeattleSlammer

The images are beautiful. (cool post too)

jmski52

Nice writeup, decent coin.