Rare Eggenberg Double Taler

Sale: Triton X, Lot: 973. Estimate $5000.  Closing Date: Monday, 8 January 2007.  Sold For $8250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

AUSTRIA, Eggenberg. Johann Ulrich. Duke of Krumau, 1623-1634. AR Double Taler (56.90 g, 12h). Krumau mint. Dated 1629. IO : VDAL’ : D : G : DVX • CRV : EKEN : PRINCS, draped and collared bust right; H G at base of bust / COM : POSTON : DNS • • IN • ERNHAVSNEC 1629, crowned coat of arms surrounded by Order chain. Donebauer -; Davenport 3381; KM 10. EF, toned. Rare.

Johann Ulrich (1568-1634) lent money to Emperor Ferdinand II during the early period of the Thirty Years’ War to help defeat Frederick V’s revolt in Bohemia. In 1622, after Ferdinand’s successful campaign resulted in Frederick’s defeat at the Battle of White Mountain, the Emperor gave Johann Ulrich a title to land in the newly captured territory. The new duke moved to Bohemia from his home in Styria and founded the Eggenberg estates at Krumau. He received the right to mint coins in 1625. Up until his death, the duke would continue to have a powerful influence on Ferdinand and his conduct of the war.