The 1760 German States Bavaria Thaler is a silver coin featuring Maximilian III Joseph, the Duke of Bavaria, and was in standard circulation from 1753-1806. To spot a fake, one must look out for specific details. The coin should feature a bust of Joseph Maximilian III facing right, with a legend, and the mintmark below the bust. The obverse side features a seated Madonna with a child, an upturned crescent moon, and clouds below, with the date at the bottom. The lettering reads: PATRONA BAVARIAE. There are several varieties of this coin, with some featuring the Madonna in a plain field, and others with rays behind her.
What You'll Learn
Check the embossing for a wide sash and hair tied in a queue
When examining a 1760 German States Bavaria Thaler, one of the key features to look out for is the embossing of the figure's sash and hair. The sash should be wide and prominent, a key indicator of the coin's authenticity. A true Thaler from this region and era will display a clear and distinct wide sash. This is an important feature, as the sash was a symbol of military rank and status, and so its presence and correct depiction are vital. The sash should be embossed in a way that it falls over the shoulder and across the body, with clear, sharp edges. Fakes may have a blurred or ill-defined sash, or it may be missing entirely.
The hair is another critical feature. The embossing should show the hair tied back in a queue, a common hairstyle for the time. The queue should be clear and distinct, with individual locks of hair visible. This hairstyle was typical of the late 18th century, and so its presence is an important indicator of the coin's authenticity. The hair should be tied back tightly, with perhaps a few tendrils falling forward, but the overall style should be neat and controlled. Again, fakes may blur or omit this detail, or the hair may be depicted in a looser, more modern style.
The level of detail in the embossing is critical. Both the sash and the queue hairstyle should be sharply defined, with clear lines and edges. The sash, in particular, should have a crisp, clear texture. A genuine Thaler will display fine craftsmanship in the embossing, with precise attention to detail. The hair, too, should have individual strands visible, creating a realistic and three-dimensional effect. Poorly embossed details, or a lack of sharpness, could indicate a fake. Close inspection of these features with a magnifying glass can help to identify any potential discrepancies.
Another aspect to consider is the overall composition of the figure. The wide sash and queue hairstyle should be in proportion to the rest of the body and head. The figure should have a natural and realistic stance, with the sash falling in a way that is consistent with the body's position. The hair, too, should be positioned correctly, with the queue falling straight down the back. Any discrepancies in the positioning or proportions of these features could indicate a fake. The composition should also take into account the other elements of the coin's design, ensuring that the figure is integrated seamlessly into the overall composition.
In summary, when examining a 1760 German States Bavaria Thaler, pay close attention to the embossing of the figure's sash and hair. The wide sash and queue hairstyle are important indicators of the coin's authenticity and should be sharply defined and proportional. The sash, as a symbol of military rank, should be a prominent feature, while the queue hairstyle reflects the fashion of the time. Close inspection of these details can help to ensure the coin's authenticity, and any discrepancies or lack of sharpness in the embossing may indicate a fake. These features are key to identifying a genuine Thaler from this region and era.
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Confirm the legend 'PATRONA BAVARIAE' and date
Confirming the legend PATRONA BAVARIAE and the date is an important step in authenticating a 1760 German States Bavaria Thaler. The PATRONA BAVARIAE legend and date are key elements of the coin's reverse side design.
The reverse side of the 1760 German States Bavaria Thaler features a seated Madonna with a child, an upturned crescent moon, and clouds below. The legend PATRONA BAVARIAE, which translates to "Protector of Bavaria", should appear above this scene, with the date at the bottom. The date on the reverse side of the coin should be either 1755 or 1765, depending on the variant of the coin.
The obverse side of the coin features a draped and cuirassed bust of Maximilian III Joseph facing right, with the legend D·G·MAX·IOS·U·B·& P·S·D·C·P·R·S·R·I·A·&·EL·L·L::. This legend, which surrounds the bust, represents Maximilian III Joseph's full title and position. Below the bust is the mintmark of Munich, Germany, the minting location of the coin.
The 1760 German States Bavaria Thaler is a standard circulation coin with a denomination of one thaler. It was minted during the reign of Maximilian III Joseph, who ruled from 1745 to 1777. These coins were in circulation from 1753 to 1806, and their value today is based on their silver content and collector demand.
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Verify the mintmark of Munich, Germany
The Bavarian State Mint, or Bayerisches Hauptmünzamt, is the German mint located in Munich, Germany. It has existed under different names since 1158 and is one of the oldest companies in Munich. The mint is subordinate to the Bavarian State Ministry of Finance and Homeland and produces around 21% of all German circulation coins.
The mintmark of Munich, Germany, is "D". This has been used since 1871 when the prerogative of coinage was assumed by the German Reich. The "D" mintmark can be found on coins minted in Munich, helping to identify their origin.
The history of the Bavarian State Mint dates back to the 9th century when the first Bavarian mint was established during the reign of Louis the Pious in Regensburg. In 1158, Henry the Lion, Duke of Bavaria, founded the City of Munich and granted it the right to mint coins. The original location of the mint was in Schrannenplatz (now Marienplatz). Over the centuries, the mint changed locations several times and underwent various renovations and expansions.
The Bavarian State Mint has played a significant role in the production of German currency and has also minted coins for other countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, and more. Today, it continues to produce circulation coins, medals, and official seal plates, upholding a long tradition of minting excellence.
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Look for a seated Madonna with Child and an upturned crescent moon
The 1760 German States Bavaria Thaler is a silver coin featuring Maximilian III Joseph, the Duke of Bavaria, on its obverse side. On the reverse, look for a seated Madonna with Child and an upturned crescent moon. The Madonna and Child are set against a backdrop of clouds, with the date, "1755", at the bottom.
The coin's obverse features a draped and cuirassed bust of Maximilian, facing right, with his hair tied in a queue. A wide sash covers most of the cuirass and his shoulder. The lettering reads: "D·G·MAX·IOS·U·B·& P·S·D·C·P·R·S·R·I·A·&·EL·L·L·".
The reverse of the coin depicts the seated Madonna with the Child, set within an upturned crescent moon. Clouds are depicted below, and the date, "1755", is at the bottom. The lettering on this side reads: "PATRONA BAVARIAE· 1755".
This coin was minted in Munich, Germany, and is known as the "Patron of Bavaria" thaler. It is a standard circulation coin, with variants known as the "KM# 500.1; Dav. #1952A" and "KM# 500.2; Dav.#1952".
When authenticating this coin, it is crucial to pay close attention to the details of the Madonna and Child. The upturned crescent moon should be clearly visible, and the clouds below should be distinct. The date "1755" should be legible at the bottom of the coin. Additionally, the condition of the coin, the sharpness of the details, and the presence of any wear or tear are all important factors in determining its authenticity and value.
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Inspect for the lettering: 'D·G·MAX·IOS·U·B·& P·S·D·C·P·R·S·R·I·A·&·EL·L·L'
Inspect the coin for the following lettering: "D·G·MAX·IOS·U·B·& P·S·D·C·P·R·S·R·I·A·&·EL·L·L". This should appear on the edge of the coin. The translation of this Latin legend is: "By the Grace of God, Maximilian Joseph, Duke of both Bavaria, Archidapifer (Arch-Steward) and Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Landgrave of Leuchtenburg".
This lettering is a key feature of the 1760 German States Bavaria Thaler, a standard circulation coin from the Electorate of Bavaria, featuring Maximilian III Joseph (1745-1777). The coin has a draped and cuirassed bust of Maximilian III Joseph facing right, with his hair tied in a queue, and a wide sash around his shoulder, covering most of the cuirass.
The obverse side of the coin features a seated Madonna with Child, with an upturned crescent moon and clouds below, and the date at the bottom. The lettering on this side reads: "PATRONA BAVARIAE· 1755", which translates to "Protector of Bavaria".
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