Germany, Schwäbisch Hall. Thaler (taler) 1746

1746 German States –Free Imperial City of Schwäbisch Hall Reichstaler – CGL Mintmark – P. P. Werner

Struck in 1746 under the Holy Roman Empire, this Baroque-era silver Reichstaler was issued by the Free Imperial City of Schwäbisch Hall, one of the historic imperial cities of southern Germany.

This issue was struck at Nuremberg, bearing the mintmaster’s mark C · G · L for Carl Gottlieb Laufer. The dies were engraved by Peter Paul Werner, whose signature P · P · WERNER appears beneath the imperial bust.

Armorial side: three ornate heraldic shields arranged in a distinctive cloverleaf composition, surrounded by laurel sprays. The design reflects Schwäbisch Hall’s civic and imperial identity, including the imperial double-headed eagle and the city’s historic hand motif. The legend MONETA NOVA REPUBLICAE HALAE SUEVICAE refers to the new coinage of the Free Imperial City of Schwäbisch Hall.

Portrait side: right-facing laureate, armored and draped bust of Emperor Francis I, with the legend FRANCISCVS D. G. ROM. IMP. SEMP. AVG. The engraver’s signature P · P · WERNER is visible beneath the truncation.

This coin shows the distinctive character of 18th-century hand-prepared dies. The lettering, denticles, slanted reeded edge and ornate details display the lively individuality typical of early Taler coinage, giving the piece a strong historical presence.

The high-point preservation is especially attractive. On the portrait side, the emperor’s hair, laurel wreath, facial features and armor remain sharply defined, with only limited wear on the highest areas. On the armorial side, the raised hand and shield details also retain strong definition. The depth and clarity of the portrait details compare very favorably with certified high-grade examples of this type.

Catalog references: Dav-2279 / KM-32 / Raff-49a / Binder-64.
Original recorded mintage: only 800 pieces, making surviving examples highly scarce and desirable.

This example displays crisp legends, strong relief, well-preserved heraldic details and an attractive natural tea-gold to bluish-gray patina. While some higher-graded certified examples may have brighter or more uniform surfaces, this coin stands out for its sharp die detail, strong strike quality and authentic antique character.

A distinguished and highly collectible Reichstaler for collectors of German States coinage, Holy Roman Empire issues, Free Imperial City coinage or Baroque numismatic art.

Provenance and Shipping: Complete purchase provenance is included. The item will be shipped with tracking and insurance.