Oversize Multiple Talers of the Brunswick Duchies and Saxe-Lauenburg

This is a catalog of only those multiple talers, of the duchies covered, that are larger than the one taler size. The multiples struck on the same size flan as the single talers but of double or triple thickness will be included in my projected catalogs of crown and taler coins.

Many of these pieces do not have any value stamped on them, and the denomination must be ascertained by the weight. A single taler weighs approximately 29 grams, so a double would weigh about 58, a triple 87, 5 talers 145, 10 talers 290, etc. The others, including those with half or quarter taler equivalents, can easily be estimated. Considerable leeway from the standard exists, sometimes as much as 10%, usually below, altho the pieces can run overweight as well. Most of them, however, are within a few grams of the standard.

The valuations must be approximations only; the actual value of a piece may be considerably influenced by the regularity of the flan, the neatness of the striking, the degree of preservation, and that ubiquitous circumstance, demand. All valuations over $600 are purely nominal and merely indicate pieces of great rarity.

PREFACE

THE MULTIPLE TALER COINAGE OF BRUNSWICK

The large-size silver coins issued by the Dukes of Brunswick enjoyed great popularity among coin collectors as early as the beginning of the eighteenth century when coin collecting was still in its infancy. This is easily understood when one considers the several attractive aspects of these multiple talers - their variety, their artistic designs, and their richness in mottoes. Some are commemorative pieces issued to celebrate birthdays, deaths, or even such events as the exploitation of mines. The majority of these large coins are of exquisite workmanship. In addition to their handsome portraiture they picture saints, equestrian figures, mining landscapes, etc.

The first multiple taler was issued in 1574 by Duke Julius of the Wolfenbüttel line. At that time the output of the silver mines in the Harz Mountains began to increase. Duke Julius had the original idea of using these great masses of silver to create a permanent fund for the exigencies of war. He issued an order that each property owner should purchase one of these large coins, the size of the coin depending on the individual's wealth. They were struck in denominations from 1ł up to 16 talers. The owners of these larger than crown size pieces were expected to produce these coins upon demand in exchange for smaller debased currency. The Duke thus had a considerable sum of money at his disposal in case of war. For this reason the coins were named "Julius Loeser" (Redeemers), as indicated on the reverse of the 1574 issues, where the legend - "Genandt. Brunswigs. Julius Loeser" is inscribed.

The "Julius Loesers" have been adequately described in the works of Eduard Fiala, "Münzen und Medaillen der Welfischen Lande," Wilhelm Knigge, "Münz und Medaillen Kabinet des Freiherrn Wilhelm Knigge," as well as in the sales catalogue of J. Schulman, March 1930, in which was listed the largest privately owned collection of Loesers, assembled by Justus Meyerhof of Berlin. However, there has hitherto been no book on the subject written in the English language. This new publication will fill this void and will be welcomed by collectors not only because of its English text but also for its illustrations and its useful guide of values.

April 1956

Henry Grunthal