Sale: CNG 67, Lot: 1976. Estimate $400.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 September 2004.  Sold For $760. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SWEDEN. Plate Money. Karl XII. 1697-1718. Copper 1 Daler (16cm x 14.5cm). Avesta mint. Dated 1715. Center stamp 1 DALER S:M in diamond, four round corner stamps with crowned monogram and dates. Additional validation stamp (added in Stockholm in 1718): Lion of Göta and date in circle. All stamps complete. Tingström, Plate pg. 283, stamps C and 1; pg. 288, B; KM PM38. VF, nice brown patina. Lacking the normal three crowns reverse countermark. Not sea salvage. // Lot also includes a modern miniature replica of this piece, in brass. Two (2) coins in lot. ($500)

From the Garth R. Drewry Collection. Ex Henry Christensen 82 (10 December 1982), lots 245 and 247.

Sweden has within its territory very extensive copper mines, some of which have been worked continually since the 12th century. What it does not have is a readily available source of precious metal. By the early 17th century, Sweden's precious metal reserves had been exhausted by a series of expensive foreign wars, and the government responded by striking copper coins of ever increasing size. In 1644 came the first issue of the famous plate coins, a huge 10 daler piece weighing over 44 pounds. This and the equally rare 8 daler piece proved too awkward for use, but the principle proved sound and the idea was accepted by the people. From that point until the 1750's plate coinage was produced in denominations ranging from 1/2 to 4 daler, and remained legal tender until 1777. From that point onward the plate coins fell victim to the melting pot, as their usefulness as metal outweighed their intrinsic value. The most famous source for these plates has been the "Nicobar" shipwreck hoard, an East Indiaman who sank in 1783 with eight tons of copper plates as cargo and ballast, intended for the eastern trade. Most of the Swedish plate money currently on the market come from this shipwreck, and show the effects of 200 years under water. The present remarkable offering is one of the largest groups of non-sea salvage Swedish plate money to appear on the market in decades.