GERMANY, Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (duchy). Julius. 1568-1589. AR Taler – “Brillentaller” (42mm, 29.08 g, 3h). Goslar mint. Dated 14 June 1586.

CNG Feature Auction 118
Lot: 1277. Estimated: $ 500

World, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 1 800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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GERMANY, Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (duchy). Julius. 1568-1589. AR Taler – “Brillentaller” (42mm, 29.08 g, 3h). Goslar mint. Dated 14 June 1586. Coat-of-arms surmounted by three elaborately crested helmets / Wildman standing left, holding lit candle and uprooted tree trunk; skull, hourglass, and spectacles hung from right arm. Ophthalmologia XI.83 (this coin illustrated); Welter 579; Davenport 9065. Lightly toned, areas of weak strike, a few flan flaws, traces of mount. VF.

From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Hess-Divo 266 (25 October 1995), lot 642.

“On the Brillentallers we find spectacles depicted along with a skull and an hourglass sand clock, which may signify the temporary nature of all earthly goods and encourage penitence and self-evaluation. The symbolism of the spectacles is unclear, but may signify that the Duke’s subjects should open their eyes and participate in the then raging battle between the Protestants and Catholics and, with the help of the spectacles, find the right camp.” Opthalmomogia p. 413

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 118 lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 13-14 September 2021. CNG Feature Auction 118 – Session Four – Roman Imperial Coinage Part 2 through Antiquities will be held Tuesday afternoon, 14 September 2021 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.

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