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DAVENPORT SERIES, GERMAN TALERS

Category:  Series Sets
Owner:  Thalermaniac
Last Modified:  5/2/2024
Set Description
Sets of uncirculated Talers, mostly German States, guided by Books of John S. Davenport

Set Goals
This collection was inspired by spectacular variety of German Coinage which is described by John S. Davenport in His Books of German Talers and European Crowns. We are presenting Series of Talers and Crowns of 5 Mark minted by different rulers at different time period. Every Set of Talers reflects certain Ruler of particular German State at the certain period of time. We tried to represent at least one example of each type of Taler. All coins are numerated with Davenport Numbers for convenience. Please feel free to contact us with your comments and suggestions to improve quality of our Set.
This Set is for sale, please make your offers!! Contact E-mail is slavamartyn@gmail.com

Slot Name
Origin/Country
Item Description
Full Grade
Owner Comments
Pics
View Coin Davenport 501 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Anhalt-Bernburg. Alexius Friedrich Christian (1796-1834). Silver TALER 1806 HS HS ANHALT-BERNBURG 501 PCGS MS 63 German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Anhalt- Bernburg. Alexius Friedrich Christian Series (1796-1834).
Taler, 1806. Convention Taler.
ALEXIUS FRIEDRICH CHRISTIAN HERZOG ZU ANHALT, X EINE FEINE MARK, 1806, H.S. in wreath.
Crowned and mantled arms.
H.S. for Hans Schlieder, Mintmaster in Bernburg 1795-1809.
28.0600 g., 0.8330 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.
Davenport 501, KM 73, Thun 1, AKS 2, J. 51-a.
PCGS MS 63.

Extremely RARE and LOW MINTAGE taler of Alexius Friedrich Christian of Anhalt-Bernburg! Those type you can see only in raw state on auctions occasionally - never in MS!! TOP POP and THE ONLY ONE graded as MS 63 by PCGS! Spectacular uncirculated design with sharp small details - look at the picture! Dull luster preserved all around. Touch of light toning, spotty on reverse. Amazing collectible and investment coin!
View Coin Davenport 502 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Anhalt- Bernburg Germany before 1871 Silver TALER 1834 ANHALT-BERNBURG 502 NGC MS 65 German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport,
Anhalt- Bernburg. Alexander Carl (Alexius Friedrich Christian) Series (1834- 1863)
Davenport 502, Mining Taler, 1834.
ALEXANDER CARL HERZOG ZU ANHALT, crowned and manteled arms
Rev: EIN THALER. XIV EINE FEINE MARK, in center SEGEN DES ANHALT BERGBAUES, date.
Low Mintage - 10,000 only minted.
Edge: GOTT MIT UNS
22.2700 g., 0.7500 Silver, 0.5370 oz. ASW. 38 mm.
Davenport 502, KM 82, Thun 2, AKS 15, J. 59, Schw. 1.
NGC MS 65
Brilliant- uncirculated coin, cartwheel luster, clear fields, collectible gem. Extremely rare in MS.
View Coin Davenport 504 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Anhalt- Bernburg. Alexander Carl (1834-1863). Silver TALER 1852A A ANHALT-BERNBURG 504 PCGS MS 62 German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Anhalt- Bernburg. Alexander Carl Series (1834-1863).
Davenport 504, Taler, 1852 A. (Ausbeutetaler).
Mining Taler - LOW MINTAGE (10000 ONLY!)
ALEXANDER CARL HERZOG ZU ANHALT , in center SEGEN DES ANHALT. BERGBAUES 1852.
EIN THALER XIV EINE FEINE MARK, crowned bear on the wall.
Berlin Mint (A).
Edge: GOTT SEGNE ANHALT
Dav. 504, KM 84, Thun 3, AKS 16, J. 66, Schw. 3.
22.2700 g., 0.7500 Silver, 0.5370 oz. ASW.
PCGS MS 62.

Another Mining Taler of Anhalt-Bernburg, Alexander Carl (1834-1863) with iconic bear walking on the wall. Patchy toning with touch of golden hue, sharp uncirculated details - great appearance collectible! Graded as MS 62 by PCGS possibly due to some excessive hairlines and rubbing marks in the fields. Popular in-between collectors coin!
View Coin Davenport 506 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Anhalt-Bernburg. Alexander Carl (1834-1863). Silver TALER 1861A A ANHALT-BERNBURG 506 NGC MS 62 German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Anhalt- Bernburg. Alexander Carl Series (1834-1863).
Davenport 506, Taler, 1861 A. (Vereinsthaler).
Mining Taler - LOW MINTAGE (10000 ONLY!)
ALEXANDER CARL HERZOG ZU ANHALT , in center SEGEN DES ANHALT. BERGBAUES 1861.
EIN THALER XXX EIN PFUND FEIN, crowned bear on the wall.
Berlin Mint (A).
Edge: GOTT SEGNE ANHALT
Dav. 506, KM 88, Thun 6, AKS 17, J. 73, Schw. 4.
18.5200 g., 0.9000 Silver, 0.5359 oz. ASW.
NGC MS 62.

This Mining Taler of Anhalt-Bernburg definitely deserves PL tier for its frosty design and mirrored fields. Very popular coin - vereinsthaler of Alexander Carl of Anhalt-Bernburg (1834-1863) with iconic bear walking on the wall. Graded as MS 62 by NGC possibly due to some excessive hairlines in the fields. Great collectible find either way!
View Coin Davenport 510 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Anhalt-Dessau. Leopold Friedrich (1817-1863) united lines (1863-1871). Silver TALER 1863A A ANHALT-DESSAU 510 NGC PF 64 CAMEO German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Anhalt- Dessau. Leopold Friedrich (1817-1863).
Davenport 510, Taler, 1863 A. (Vereinsthaler).
Commemorative issue - for the separation of duchies in 1603 and the reunion back in 1863.
LEOPOLD FRIEDRICH HERZOG VON ANHALT , head left.
Rev: HERZOGTHUM ANHALT, GETHEILT 1603 VEREINT 1863. EIN THALER 30 EIN PF. F., crowned shield in sprays below.
Berlin Mint (A)
Low Mintage - 20,300 only minted.
Edge: GOTT SEGNE ANHALT
Dav. 510, KM 15, Thun 11, AKS 35, J. 77, Schw. 9.
18.5200 g., 0.9000 Silver, 0.5359 oz. ASW.
NGC PF 64 CAMEO.

Rare to find in PROOF in general this coin has all features on CAMEO strike with frosty design on mirror fields - spectacular looking collectible and extremely low in certified population.
View Coin Davenport 512 GERMANY - STATES 3 Anhalt- Dessau German States since 1871 Silver 5M 1914A A ANHALT-DESSAU 512 NGC PF 64 German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport,
Anhalt- Dessau. Friedrich II Series (1904- 1918)
1914 A, 5 Mark.
To Commemorate Silver Wedding anniversary.
FRIEDRICH II. MARIE. HERZOG UND HERZOGIN VON ANHALT 1889 - 1914, associated heads Left.
Rev: Crowned Imperial German Eagle (Type 2), shield on breast.
Berlin Mint (A). 1,000 coined in PROOF.
27.7770 g., 0.9000 Silver, 0.8037 oz. ASW. 38 mm.
Davenport 512, KM 31.
NGC PF 64, hosted in old NGC holder.
Proof-uncirculated, cameo strike, cristal-clear fields, slightly champagne toning. Perfect piece.
This Series presented with only one type of coin per Davenport Book.
View Coin Davenport 515 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Baden German States Silver TALER 1816 D BADEN 515 NGC MS 63 German Talers since 1800,
Baden. Carl Ludwig Friedrich Series (1811- 1818)
Obv: Crowned and mantled shield. Obv. Legend: GROSHERZOGTHUM BADEN. Date below.
Rev: 1 KRONEN-THALER in wreath.
"D" on reverse for Karl Doell, engraver at Mannheim and Karlsruhe.
Ornamented edge.
59.5160 g., 0.8710 Silver 1.6666 oz. ASW.
Rare in uncirculated state, lusterous coin. Slightly satiny toning.
View Coin Davenport 516 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Baden. Ludwig (1818-1830). Silver TALER 1819 WD BADEN "WD" MONOGRAM BELOW BUST 516 PCGS MS 63 German States.
Baden, Ludwig Series (1818- 1830).
One Taler (Kronentaler).
LUDWIG GROSHERZOG VON BADEN, bust to the right, WD under the bust, 1819 below.
Crowned and mantled arms of Baden, KRONEN-THALER below.
Davenport 516, KM 175.1, Thun 16A, AKS 51, J. 23.
59.5160 g., 0.8710 Silver 1.6666 oz. ASW.
PCGS MS 63 - F.STG/STG.

Extremely RARE and ONLY ONE graded as MS by PCGS/NGC, ONE-YEAR variety (1819 WD, Thun 16A) Kronenthaler of Ludwig of Baden. You can see this coin once in a couple years on auctions mostly in lower grades. We are offering pristine uncirculated gem with touch of pink champagne toning, amazing details and mirrored fields! PCGS definitely got short on this grade! Desirable piece for serious collectors only!!!
View Coin Davenport 517 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Baden. Ludwig (1818-1830). Silver 2GUL 1822 BADEN 517 NGC MS 62 German States.
Baden, Ludwig Series (1818- 1830).
Two Gulden (Doppelgulden).
LUDWIG GROSHERZOG VON BADEN, head to the right.
Crowned shield separating 2 and G in sprays, 1822 below.
Davenport 517, KM 185, Thun 17, AKS 54, J. 32.
25.4540 g., 0.7500 Silver 0.6137 oz. ASW.
NGC MS 62 - VZ/STG.
Dull luster, touch of patina, weak die on reverse - rare in uncirculated condition coin
View Coin Davenport 518 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Baden. Ludwig (1818-1830). Silver TALER 1830 BADEN - LUDWIG 518 PCGS MS 64 German States.
Baden- Durlach, Ludwig Series (1818- 1830).
One Taler (Krone).
This is a perfect example of the small Taler - 100 Kreuzers - first of that type.
LUDWIG GROSHERZOG VON BADEN, head to the right. 1830 below.
EIN THALER ZU 100 KRZR., IM KRONENTHLR FUSS, crowned arms in wreath.
Davenport 518, KM 193, Thun 18, AKS 53, J. 41.
18.1480 g., 0.8750 Silver 0.5105 oz. ASW.
PCGS MS 64+

Slightly toned, satine luster, perfect quality coin. RARE in MINT STATE.
View Coin Davenport 519 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Baden Leopold (1830-1852) Silver TALER 1831 BADEN 519 NGC MS 64 German States.
Baden- Durlach, Leopold I Series (1830- 1852).
One Krone Taler (Kronentaler).
LEOPOLD GROSHERZOG VON BADEN, head to the right. No dot after Baden.
KRONEN THALER, crowned shield in the center, supported by griffons, 1831 below. No star under the date variety.
DOELL FEC. on neck.
Davenport 519, KM 195.1, Thun 19, AKS 77, J. 47.
29.4889 g., 0.8720 Silver 0.8267 oz. ASW.
NGC MS 64.

Uncirculated Kronentaler of Leopold of Baden. Attractive cabinet toning with some dull luster preserved. Collectible and high grade coin. Low certified population - only one coin higher per NGC. Great collectible and investment item!
View Coin Davenport 523 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Baden Leopold (1830-1852). Silver TALER 1836 K BADEN - CUSTOMS UNION 523 NGC MS 63 PL German States.
Baden- Durlach, King Leopold I (1830- 1852).
One Taler (Kronentaler).
Commemorative issue - for the Custom Union of the German States.
LEOPOLD GROSHERZOG VON BADEN, head to the right. KRONEN - THALER below.
Circle of ten shields of German States, ZU INRER VOELKER HEIL 1836 inside.
K below for Ludwig Kachel.
Davenport 523, KM 206, Thun 23, AKS 87, J. 51.
18.1480 g., 0.8720 Silver 0.5105 oz. ASW.
NGC MS 63+ PL.

Definitely Proof-like quality of this commemorative taler with mirrored fields and cameo-like portrait and design creates unique appearance. Baden, Commemoration of the Custom Union of the German States - popular collectible coin! Almost never seen in PROOF or PL condition on ANY auctions! This is one of the unique opportunities - graded as MS 63+ PL - better for grade, some contact marks on the mirrored fields - still perfect and RARE collectible!
View Coin Davenport 525 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Baden. Leopold (1830-1852) Silver 2T 1844 BADEN - MONUMENT LETTERED EDGE 525 PCGS MS 64 German States.
Baden- Durlach, Leopold I (1830- 1852).
Two Talers (Doppeltaler).
Commemorative - for the erection of the Monument of Carl Friedrich, the Herzog's father.
LEOPOLD GROSHERZOG VON BADEN, head of Herzog to the right.
SEINEM VATER CARL FRIEDRICH DEM GESEGNETEN MDCCCXXXXIV, Monument in the center, VII. E.F.M. below.
C. VOIGT below the head (Engraver in Munich 1829-1859).
Edge: CONVENTION VOM 30 IULY 1838.
Davenport 525, KM 217.1, Thun 25, AKS 110, J. 59, Schw. 12.
37.1200 g., 0.8720 Silver 1.0740 oz. ASW.
PCGS PR 64+.

Commemorative Two Thaler coin of Leopold I of Baden-Durlach for the erection of the Monument of Carl Friedrich, this collectible coin is interested in particular because it has all features of PROOF strike even there are no mention of PROOF coinage in this series. Deep sparkling mirrored fields covered with dark-golden toning with touch of bluish hues on reverse, razor-sharp strike of the design - amazing appearance and rarity specimen! You will never will see any of those coins graded as PROOF on ANY auctions - and here we are offering one certified by PCGS and graded as PR 64+. Unique opportunity for German Coin Collectors!! Small scratch on coin holder (not the coin itself) on reverse.
View Coin Davenport 529 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Baden Friedrich, Regent (1852-1856) Silver 2GUL 1856 BADEN 529 PCGS MS 67 German States.
Baden- Durlach, Friedrich as Regent (1852-1856).
Two Gulden (Doppelgulden).
FRIEDRICH PRINZ UND REGENT VON BADEN, head to the right.
ZWEY GULDEN, crowned and supported arms, 1856 below.
Davenport 529, KM 237, Thun 29, AKS 116, J. 70, Schw. 16.
21.2100 g., 0.9000 Silver 0.6137 oz. ASW.
PCGS MS 67 - STG/STG. Cabinet quality.

The ONLY ONE graded per PCGS and NGC and TOP POPULATION from any perspective. Very RARE and ONE-YEAR ONLY issue of the 2 Gulden of Friedrich of Baden as a Regent. Very RARE on ANY auctions!! Full cartwheel luster, pristine clear fields, gorgeous golden toning - this coin definitely deserves the grade - graded as MS 67 by PCGS. Unique specimen for any German Coin Collectors!
View Coin Davenport 530 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Baden-Durlach. Friedrich (1856-1907). Silver TALER 1857 BADEN 530 NGC PF 63 German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Baden. Friedrich Series (1856-1907).
Davenport 530, Taler, 1857. (Vereinsthaler).
FRIEDRICH GROSHERZOG VON BADEN , head to the right.
Rev: EIN VEREINSTHALER XXX EIN PFUND FEIN, crowned and supported arms, 1857 divided.
LOW MINTAGE - 18500 ONLY - KEY YEAR!!
18.1590 g., 0.9000 Silver, 0.5254 oz. ASW.
Davenport 530, KM 240, Thun 30, AKS 123, J. 79, Schw. 17.
NGC PF 63. TOP POP and the ONLY ONE graded and certified!!

This is the Top Gem coin from this series of Vereinsthalers of Friedrich of Baden - KEY YEAR 1857 with LOWEST MINTAGE. There are NO PROOF coinage existed for this type of Thaler so you NEVER seen any PROOF coins on ANY auctions - we are offering one with deeply toned mirror fields, sharp proof design and attractive golden toning towards the edges which appealed for NGC as PROOF GRADE - PF 63. TOP POPULATION and the RAREST coin you can find!!!
View Coin Davenport 531 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Baden Friedrich (1856- 1907) Silver TALER 1866 BADEN 531 NGC MS 61 German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport,
Baden. Friedrich Series (1856-1907)
Davenport 531, Taler, 1866. (Vereinsthaler)
FRIEDRICH GROSHERZOG VON BADEN , head to the left.
Rev: EIN VEREINSTHALER XXX EIN PFUND FEIN, crowned and supported arms.
18.1590 g., 0.9000 Silver, 0.5254 oz. ASW.
Davenport 531, KM 245, Thun 31, AKS 124, J. 85, Schw. 18.
NGC MS 61
Satin luster, excessive friction marks in the fields, uncirculated coin.
View Coin Davenport 533 GERMANY - STATES 3 Germany, Baden. Friedrich (1856-1907). Silver 5M 1902G G BADEN BUST RIGHT 533 NGC MS 63 German States.
Baden, King Friedrich (1856- 1907).
5 Mark 1902. REGULAR ISSUE - LAST YEAR.
FRIEDRICH GROSHERZOG VON BADEN, head to the LEFT.
Crowned Imperial Eagle type 2 (skinny one) with shield on breast. 1902.
Davenport 533, KM 268.
27.7770 g., 0.9000 Silver 0.8037 oz. ASW. 38 mm.
NGC MS 63 - F.ST/STG.

RARE and LOW MINTAGE 5 Mark 1902 of Friedrich of the Baden (1856-1907) - last year production before the design change. Older head of Friedrich to the Left - regular circulation issue! Sparkling lustrous fields, some minor scratches appreciated on obverse, non-altered "A" in "Baden". Rare on ANY auctions and especially in MS-certified state. Great collectible and investment find!
View Coin Davenport 534 GERMANY - STATES 3 Germany, Baden Kaiserreich Silver 5M 1902 BADEN - GOLDEN JUBILEE 534 NGC MS 64
German States.
Baden, King Friedrich (1856- 1907).
5 Marks 1902.
Commemorative and One-Year issue - for the 50th Anniversary of Reign.
FRIEDRICH GROSHERZOG VON BADEN, head to the right. Dates below (1852- 1902) in a sprays.
Crowned Imperial Eagle type 2 (skinny one) with shield on breast.
Davenport 534, KM 235.
27.7770 g., 0.9000 Silver 0.8037 oz. ASW. 38 mm.
NGC MS 64 - F.ST.
Uncirculated with golden rainbow tone on a fields, rich patina, spectacular looking coin.
View Coin Davenport 535 GERMANY - STATES 3 Germany, Baden. Friedrich (1856-1907). Silver 5M 1903G G BADEN 535 PCGS MS 65 German States.
Baden, King Friedrich (1856- 1907).
5 Mark 1903. Regular Issue.
FRIEDRICH GROSHERZOG VON BADEN, head to the right. G - below.
Crowned Imperial Eagle type 2 (skinny one) with shield on breast.
Davenport 535, KM 274.
27.7770 g., 0.9000 Silver 0.8037 oz. ASW. 38 mm.
PCGS MS 65+ - STG.

We are offering 5 Mark of Friedrich of Baden, 1903 - regular issue with head to the right. It is difficult to find those coins in uncirculated condition - most of it were heavy used. This is one graded as MS 65+ by PCGS. Top quality coin, brilliant-uncirculated with full cartwheel luster preserved, amazing details - great collectible and investment coin!
View Coin Davenport 536 GERMANY - STATES 3 Germany, Baden Friedrich (1856-1907) Silver 5M 1906 BADEN - WEDDING ANNIV. 536 PCGS MS 66 German States since 1800.
Baden, King Friedrich (1856- 1907) Series.
5 Marks 1906.
Commemorative and One-Year issue - for the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Friedrich and Luise.
FRIEDRICH UND LUISE VON BADEN, 1856-1906, accolated busts to the right.
Crowned Imperial Eagle type 2 (skinny one) with shield on breast.
Davenport 536, KM 277.
27.7770 g., 0.9000 Silver 0.8037 oz. ASW. 38 mm.
PCGS MS 66 ( STG ).

Popular collectible commemorative issue - for the Golden Wedding Anniversary. Sharp uncirculated strike, clear fields with touch of matte on obverse, slightly toned, almost no friction marks detected in the fields - high grade uncirculated coin!
View Coin Davenport 537 GERMANY - STATES 3 Germany, Baden Friedrich (1856- 1907) Silver 5M 1907 BADEN - FRIEDRICH'S DEATH 537 PCGS PF 64 German States since 1800.
Baden, Friedrich (1856- 1907) Series.
5 Marks 1907.

Commemorative and One-Year issue - for the Death of Friedrich, Grand Duke.

FRIEDRICH GROSHERZOG VON BADEN, head to the right, 1826- 1907 below.
Crowned Imperial Eagle type 2 (skinny one) with shield on breast.

Davenport 537, KM 279.

27.7770 g., 0.9000 Silver 0.8037 oz. ASW. 38 mm.

PCGS PR 64.

Pristine clear mirror fields, sparkling surfaces, amazing design - this is truly collectible gem! Low certified in proof population - most of this coins you see in MS state. For the Death of Grand Duke.
View Coin Davenport 540 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Maximilian Joseph (1799-1825). Silver TALER 1802 BAVARIA - "MAX.IOS" 540 PCGS MS 65 German States.
Bavaria, King Maximilian Joseph (1799- 1825).
One Taler (Konventionstaler).
D.G.MAX.IOS.C.P.R.V.B.D.S.R.I.A. & EL. D.I.C. & M., bust of the Duke to the right.
PRO DEO ET POPULO, crowned three- fold arms in spray, 1802 below.
Davenport 540, KM 644 (313), Thun 32, AKS 4.
PCGS MS 65 - TOP population. Extremely RARE to find in MS - uncirculated condition!

Sparkling uncirculated gem - Konventionstaler of Maximilian Joseph of Pfalz, Duke of Zweibrucken and Elector (as well as future King) of Bavaria. Highest quality coin seen on auctions - graded as MS 65 by PCGS this specimen deserves PL tier for the mirrored shiny fields on reverse, flawless and problem-free obverse. Touch of gorgeous golden toning at the edges only makes appearance better for this collectible gem! TOP POP! Great find for any German Coin collectors and investors!
View Coin Davenport 545 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Maximilian Joseph (1700-1825), king from 1806 Silver TALER 1803 BAVARIA - "MAXIMILIAN" "IN BAIERN" 545 PCGS MS 63 German States.
Bavaria, King Maximilian Joseph (1799- 1825).
One Taler (Konventionstaler).
MAXIMILIAN IOSEPH CHURFURST IN BAIERN, bust of the king to the right.
NO C.D. - VARIETY.
GOTT UND DAS VATERLAND., crowned three- fold arms in spray, 1803 below.
Davenport 545, KM 664 (325), Thun 37, AKS 8.
28.0000 g., 0.8330 Silver 0.7499 oz. ASW.
PCGS MS 63 - TOP 2 population. Extremely RARE to find in MS - uncirculated condition!

Cabinet quality uncirculated and one-year taler of Maximilian Joseph of Bavaria. RARE variety - NO C.D. letters on obverse. Low certified population - only two coins graded as MS 63 by PCGS - no higher grades!! This one is a unique piece because of the die variety. Gorgeous golden toning will complete the appearance of this perfect collectible and investment taler.
View Coin Davenport 546 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Maximilian Joseph (1799-1825), king from 1806. Silver TALER 1804 BAVARIA - "GOTT UND DAS" 546 NGC MS 62 German States since 1800.
Bavaria, King Maximilian Joseph (1799- 1825).
One Taler (Konventionstaler).
MAXIMILIAN IOSEPH CHURFURST ZU PFALZBAIERN., bust of the king to the right. New hair design.
GOTT UND DAS VATERLAND., crowned three- fold arms in spray, new Crown and spray design, 1804 below.
Davenport 546, KM 665, Thun 38, AKS 9.
28.0000 g., 0.8330 Silver 0.7499 oz. ASW.
NGC MS 62 - TOP 1 population. Extremely RARE to find in MS - uncirculated condition!

Very RARE early taler of King Maximilian Joseph of Bavaria (1799-1825). New hair and Crown design, new spray layout - those "early" talers reflect great variety of trials of the different dies. As a result the mintage numbers are low as well as very low high grade population. We are offering one graded as MS 62 by NGC - TOP POP NGC population at this time. Taler 1804 with reflective uncirculated reverse and almost uncirculated obverse - still amazing graphics in a design of the King's portrait and dress details. Very RARE to see in MS on ANY auctions! Great investment coin as always!
View Coin Davenport 547 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Maximilian Joseph (1799-1825), king from 1806. Silver TALER 1805 BAVARIA - LION LEFT 547 PCGS MS 62 German States.
Bavaria, King Maximilian Joseph (1799- 1825).
One Taler (Konventionstaler).
MAXIMILIAN IOSEPH CHURFURST ZU PFALZBAIERN., bust of the king to the right.
FUR GOTT UND VATERLAND., crowned three- fold arms in spray, lions reversed, 1805. below.
Davenport 547, KM 676, Thun 39, AKS 9.
28.0000 g., 0.8330 Silver 0.7499 oz. ASW.
PCGS MS 62 - TOP 1 population. Extremely RARE to find in MS - uncirculated condition!

Extremely RARE die variety - Lion reversed on reverse. The ONLY ONE MS-certified by PCGS! Worn dies, possible cleaned at past - still great uncirculated and RARE collectible coin. Slightly toned.
View Coin Davenport 548 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Maximilian Joseph (1799-1825), king from 1806 Silver TALER 1806 BAVARIA LIONS FACE INWARD 548 PCGS MS 62 German States.
Bavaria, King Maximilian Joseph (1799- 1825).
One Taler (Konventionstaler). 1806.
MAXIMILIAN IOSEPH KONIG VON BAIERN, bust of the king to the right.
FUR GOTT UND VATERLAND., crowned arms supported by lions, 1806 below.
Davenport 548, KM 692 (349), Thun 40, AKS 45, J. 3.
28.0000 g., 0.8330 Silver 0.7499 oz. ASW.
PCGS MS 62. One-year coin and RARE to find in MS - uncirculated condition!

Spotty toning on clear fields, with dark shadows at the edges - unusual look for this rare and one-year coin.Weak strike on obverse which is common for this type of coin. Sharp reverse with touch of dies imperfections (polished). Low mintage.
View Coin Davenport 551 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Maximilian Joseph (1799-1825), King from 1806 Silver TALER 1808 BAVARIA 551 PCGS MS 62 German States.
Bavaria, King Maximilian Joseph (1799- 1825).
One Taler (Konventionstaler).
MAXIMILIAN IOSEPH KONIG VON BAIERN., bust of the king to the right, short haircut - no pigtail.
FUR GOTT UND VATERLAND., crowned and supported arms, new design, 1808 below.
Davenport 551, KM 701 (355), Thun 43, AKS 48, J. 13.
28.0000 g., 0.8330 Silver 0.7499 oz. ASW.
PCGS MS 62. RARE to find in MS - uncirculated condition!

Weak strike on obverse, cartwheel luster - look at the scan.
View Coin Davenport 552 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Maximilian Joseph (1799-1825), King from 1806 Silver TALER 1819 BAVARIA - MACE AND SWORD 552 PCGS MS 62 German States.
Bavaria, Maximilian Joseph Series (1799- 1825), King after 1806.
One Taler ( Kronentaler).
MAXIMILIANUS IOSEPHUS BAVARIAE REX, bust to the Right. Uncovered head, no garment.
PRO DEO POPULO, Crown with sword and zepter crossed below. 1819 at the bottom.
Davenport 552, KM 706 (358.1), Thun 44, AKS 44, J. 14.
29.3400 g., 0.8680 Silver 0.8188 oz. ASW.
PCGS MS 62. RARE in MS coin.

Great uncirculated example of the Kronentaler of Max Joseph of Bavaria (1799-1825) - this highly popular coin was in a heavy circulation during its time which explained pretty scarce MS-certified specimens on market. We are offering one with attractive lustrous fields, bold details on obverse which is pretty common for this type of design but sharp reverse with amazing details of the Crown and zepter. Some excessive contact marks on the fields determine the grade - MS 62 by PCGS. Great and desirable piece in ANY German Coin collection!!
View Coin Davenport 553 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Maximilian Joseph (1799-1825), king from 1806 Silver TALER 1818 BAVARIA - CONSTITUTION 553 NGC MS 62 German States.
Bavaria, King Maximilian Joseph (1799- 1825).
One Taler ( Konventionstaler).
Commemorative issue - to commemorate the Bavarian Constitution of 1818 - One year coin.
MAXIMILIANUS IOSEPHUS BAVARIAE REX, bust of the king to the right, laureated head.
MAGNUS AB INTEGRO SAECLORUM NASCITUR ORDO ( The great order of the centuries is born anew ), block on arms with legend CHARTA MAGNA BAVARIAE. Date below - XXVI MAII MDCCCXVIII .
Davenport 553, KM 708 (361), Thun 45, AKS 59, J. 15.
28.0600 g., 0.8680 Silver 0.7830 oz. ASW.
NGC MS 62. Cabinet quality.

Cartwheel luster, some hairlines in the fields.
View Coin Davenport 555 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Ludwig I (1825-1848) Silver TALER 1825 BAVARIA - CORONATION 555 NGC MS 61 PL ...King Ludwig brought the coin closer to his eyes, inspecting it carefully. "I do really look good in the mantle indeed...and the whole Coronation Ceremony was truly beautiful... this makes me feel like Napoleon....no, better yet, like God himself!!!! Napoleon....Since his defeat in the Battle of Leipzig, Napoleon surrendered his Emperorship and fled into exile, and it was not undeserved! For He so pompously marched into Berlin in that far-off year of 1807, and I will never forgive his treatment of the German Royal Family....Well, He did, however, knew how to array his palace in true magnificence! The man had taste... nonetheless - enough thinking of Napoleon... my beloved Bavaria needs a Real King, The German One!" ...The old Mint Director coughed in hesitation to interrupt the King's reveries: "Your Grace! Yesterday thy artist, Herr Stiller, approached me. It seems that your Grace ordered him to paint a portrait of thyself at the Coronation Ceremony, and He likes the image of the engraving upon this beautiful coin! He wishes to portray Thee as well in the kingly mantle with crown, Constitution, sceptre, and outstretched hand - it is perfect - I am not opposed to this - it will be a grandiose work of art of Thy Majesty, but He also wishes to add the Throne to the background... As I said, I do not disagree, but this Throne truly does resemble that of Napoleon, with its ornate form and lettering! I did not include the throne on the coin for a reason...." Putting a regal hand upon the shoulder of his old friend, The King exclaimed, "You are absolutely right, Franz! But you do know these painters, especially Herr Stiller - he is a Master and I do not wish to interfere in his work of art. Let him paint, for Napoleon is gone and art is eternal! Also, Napoleon knew the worth in this - if he enjoyed this style then my kingdom, and I too, shall enjoy it!"
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King Maximilian Joseph died on October 13, 1825. Ludwig arrived to the Munich only on October 18 from Bad Bruckenau and in the morning of the next day He took the Oath on the Constitution Book as a new ruler of the Bavaria. That was His words after the Coronation: " It is not easy to rule the Bavarian people, but after the King we lost it is not even possible....."


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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1825, CORONATION TALER.
Davenport 555, KM 720, Thun 49, AKS 112, J.31
Commemoration of Ludwig's I accession to the throne.
Obverse: Head fo Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK
Reverse: King in the mantle, Crown, Book of Law. TRITT DIE REGIERUNG DES LANDES AN, AM 13 OCTOBER1825 (Assumes the government of the country on October 13, 1825).
28.0600 g., 0.8680 Silver, 0.7830 oz. ASW.
NGC MS 61 PL - VZ/STG as PP

This is the first coin in Commemorative Series of the King Ludwig I of Bavaria - CORONATION TALER. One of the rarest to find in a high grade and especially in MS-certified condition. We are offering one of the top quality specimens - PROOFLIKE tier per NGC is well-deserved for this gorgeous coin with mirrored fields, amazing uncirculated detail of the design and cameo-like strike. Touch of champagne toning gives extra appealing look. Some excessive hairlines in the fields as well as contact marks determine the grade - graded as MS 61 by NGC. Still great collectible and investment item!
View Coin Davenport 556 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria King Ludwig I (1825- 1848) Silver TALER 1827 BAVARIA - CROWN IN WREATH 556 PCGS MS 64 “....By the way, Franz, can you show me our regular coin, our good old Kronenthaler - do you have it with you,” said King Ludwig, looking at Franz Streber with smile on his face. “Of course, Your Majesty! Our best engraver, Johann Baptist Stiglmaier, did a great job portraying Your Grace on all Bavarian coins!!”. The Muenzecabinet Director opened another box with another coin inside. It was a large Kronenthaler with the profile of Ludwig on the obverse and the crown on reverse. The coin was just minted and even felt warm to the touch. The sunlight entering through the window sparkled and played on its mirror-edge surface. “So, what do you think about my hair- does it not look a little bit too messy?” exclaimed Ludwig, skeptically looking at his portrait. ” I love my French hairstyle, you know, it is part of my heritage - but do you think I should rearrange it, make it lookmore smooth or presentable?” Franz Streber shrugged his shoulders: ”Your Majesty! Your hair is our German Treasure, and we all love it! Plus your head looks great in its profile, at least much better than your father’s head did; at least you have more hair. Bavarians just love their Kings with their big haircuts - just remember your ancestors, Maximilian III Joseph, for example! Yes, we should keep your hair as is!” Ludwig looked overjoyed: “Great! Let’s not change it all! I love the design! I love the Crown! I love our legend ‘Just and Firm’! I love my Kingdom! I love myself!”
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1827, KRONENTALER
Davenport 556, KM 723, Thun 47, AKS 75, J.23
Regular issue Taler (Krone)
Obverse: Head of the Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG KOENIG VON BAYERN
Reverse: Crown within wreath, "GERECHT UND BEHARRLICH" (Just and firm)
Edge: BAYERISCHER KRONTHALER
29.5400 g., 0.8701 Silver, 0.8272 oz. ASW.
Mint state, cartwheel luster, clear mirror-like fields. Some tiny planchet flow on obverse. Rare in such a great condition.
View Coin Davenport 557 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Ludwig I (1825-1848). Silver TALER 1826 BAVARIA - UNIVERSITY 557 NGC MS 64 One fine early morning, King Ludwig slowly strolled through his garden and thought to himself amid beautiful flowers and pristine Greek statues. “It seems like it is not a simple task to be a King. My entire nation expects great actions, and I must serve Bavaria! But what must be done? It must be a historic act, one to uplift the Kingdom and cement my role as a Great King to be held in reverence by future generations! Surely it is easier to be just the Crown Prince and have fun with scholarly colleagues at Landshut University, drinking, hugging young girls, declaiming poetry and discussing the academia of Aristotle.” Taking a deep breath, King Ludwig began to reminisce. “And furthermore, I had promised my old teacher Father Maximilian to aid him in the reorganization of my Alma Mater as soon as I attained the Kingship – so be it!” Ludwig retreated to his cabinet to compose a letter to Landshut.

By the time of the arrival of the old Minister, Ludwig had already prepared his plan of action. Coming together in the meeting room of the palace, Ludwig embraced his old professor Maximilian, the Count of Montgelas. “My dear friend, I am so glad you have come! Now we can discuss the bright future of our University. Recall that it is named proudly after my ancestor Ludwig the Wealthy of Bavaria-Landshut, and as Ludwig I of Bavaria, I am obligated to continue the educational mission of my father and great-grandfather! Tell me, old friend, what is your vision of the future of our University?” exclaimed Ludwig in his excitement. The old Minister Maximilian arose with tears in his eyes, saying, “It is so marvelous to see you, your majesty – daily we thank God for your generosity and love. As I had always told your Grace before, the university requires a great deal of reform. We have opened new faculties in Writing and Medicine, and have finally expanded our scholarship influence between simple German people. We have more than a thousand students on our campus, and my dream is finally coming true; I had always wanted to see our University not as a sacred society for Jesuits and Canonic Orders but as a Palace of Knowledge for the peoples of Bavaria, accessible to all. However, we must still expand the faculty and build new facilities… and with the great help of your majesty then the dream will come entirely true!”

“My dear friend,” exclaimed Ludwig, placing a noble hand on Maximilian’s shoulder, “I will do what I can do help Bavaria become the most educated nation in Germany! I will give you money, I will construct buildings, and I will create scholarships for farmers and simple people – but I have one condition: the University should be moved from Landshut to the Capital, to Munich! I am building this city as the cultural center for all German art, science, and education and we must have our own University! By the way, Landshut is not the original home of the University either, for King Maximilian I brought it from Ingolstadt in 1800 to protect it from the Napoleonic Invasion. And now, after the glorious defeat of France, it is time to bring it back not to Ingolstadt, but to Munich! This I say as King and Ruler.” Maximilan nodded in graceful acquiescence, “As Your Grace wishes. I shall return immediately and will present thy wish to the Board of Ministers. I am sure they will not object and we will start the relocation process as soon as possible!” King Ludwig smiled with great pride; now his name would be forever tied with the great names of his father and ancestors, the builders of the German foundation! He did not yet know yet that it would be the students of his very University that would play a great role in Ludwig’s abdication during the 1848 German Revolution… but it will be the history to come.

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We should also mention the name of the new Minister of the Religious and Secular Education, Eduard von Schenk, who was a right hand of King Ludwig in relocation process for the University. This noble man truly believed in important role of the education to raise all German Nation. In 1826 the University was finally moved to Munich and on November 15, 1826 its door was open for the students. The Grand opening had place in the former Jesuit College building but to the year of 1840 the University expanded by the both side Ludwigstrasse buit by famous bavarian architect Friedrich von Gartner.

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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport

Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).

Taler 1826, REMOVAL OF THE UNIVERSITY

Davenport 557, KM 722, Thun 50, AKS 115, J.33

Commemoration of the removal of the Ludwig- Maximilian University from Landshut to Munich

Obverse: Head fo Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK

Reverse: VERLEGUNG DER LUDWIG MAXIMILIANS HOCHSCHULE VON LANDSHUT NACH MUNCHEN. 1826 below in wreath.

28.0600 g., 0.8680 Silver, 0.7830 oz. ASW.

This is another example of the "Historical Talers" of King Ludwig I of Bavaria - to Commemorate the Relocations of the Ludwig Maximilian University from Landshut to Munich. This is another high-quality collectible -MS 64 grade per NGC is well-deserved for this gorgeous coin with clear uncirculated fields, amazing sharp detail of the design and satin luster through the surfaces. Touch of toning at the edges gives extra appealing look. Couple tiny contact marks and hairlines on obverse did not affect the grade. Great collectible and investment item!
View Coin Davenport 558 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Ludwig I (1825-1848). Silver TALER 1826 BAVARIA - REICHENBACH 558 NGC MS 63 “A moment of your time, please, Your Majesty!” Upon hearing this, King Ludwig turned swiftly around, interrupting his leisurely morning stroll through the royal gardens. His eyes met an amusing sight, for amid the white cobblestone road and marble statues there was a man running towards him. “Your Majesty! Wait,” exclaimed the man breathlessly, not noticing that his own wig had fallen slightly askew owing to his frantic run. “What is it, dear Franz?” - asked the King, understanding the runner as his Munzkabinet Director, Franz Ignaz von Streber - “don’t hurry yourself, please explain what is going on.” Franz began, “Your Majesty, I rush so as to present to you your first Taler, the one which will premier the new series of memorial coins in our Munzkabinet, to glorify our legendary scholars and artisans! The first Taler is thus ready!” Excitedly, the King replied, “Of course, I remember when you first introduced to me the idea of this memorial coin series in June! You had presented it beautifully then: ‘These coins will carry the names of famous Bavarians throughout Europe for centuries, each as its own monument to the King!’ I could not have said better myself. So tell me of our first Taler, who has the honor of appearing upon it?” The director revealed a beautiful coin glimmering on purple velvet and presented it to the King. “Reichenbach and Fraunhofer!” The Taler had inscribed upon it the faces of two gentlemen acknowledging each other in profile - “Interesting,” said the King, “and who are these two?” “These, Your Highness, are our two famous compatriots! Reichenbach was a brilliant machinist and Fraunhofer was a virtuoso glassworker. Unfortunately they both lost their lives this year and Bavaria is still in mourning, so this Taler will be an eternal commemoration to our masterful artisans!” Unable to hide an air of skepticism, Ludwig inquired, “Forgive me Franz, but what is it that they have created to deserve such highest of praises?” Incredulously, Franz replied, “Everything, Your Majesty! They have wrought iron bridges, our Bavarian saltworks, optical manufacturing, instruments of astronomical and geological variety, etc… Our telescopes and astrolabes are widely to be considered the finest in the world - even finer than those of the English. All thanks to Reichenbach and Fraunhofer, eternal memory to them, who have lost their lives at such a young age! In fact, I believe..” Having said this, the Munzkabinet Director lowered his voice and leaned closer to the King, “… that over at that glass factory they both inhaled a fair amount of poisonous gases, and their hearts couldn’t withstand it. It’s such a shame, they could have devised so many brilliant inventions yet.” Smiling, the King answered, “Well alright, you convinced me. It’s just that.. on the Taler, why do they look at each other in such a way, as though they are about to kiss? The jokesters in our country would instantly call it something ridiculous, for example, the Kissing Taler or something… Is there no other way to orient these two upon the coin?” Laughing, the director replied, “Your Majesty, we tried various alternatives, and this is the most optimal variant we could imagine - surely they cannot be looking in opposite directions!” The King looked at him with a content sense of resolution. Giving back the coin to the director, Ludwig said, “Fine by me, please release it into circulation. Let it be known to all as the Kissing Taler.” With this, the King resumed his morning walk through the gardens, amid the beautiful marble statues and the gleaming faces of hundreds of happy flowers...
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1826, REICHENBACH AND FRAUNHOFER.
Davenport 558, KM 721, Thun 51, AKS 114, J.32.
Minted on the death of the scientists Reichenbach and Fraunhofer.
Obverse: Head fo Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK.
Reverse: DEM VERDIENSTE SEINE KRONEN, two heads facing each other, 1826, REICHENBACH --- FRAUNHOFER below.
NGC MS 63.
28.0600 g., 0.8680 Silver, 0.7830 oz. ASW.

Commemorative "Historic" Taler of Ludwig I of Bavaria - to Commemorate the Death of the scientists Reichenbach and Fraunhofer. Attractive patina with touch of pink hue at the edges. Heavily toned fields with some contact marks and rubbing spots determine the grade - graded as MS 63 by NGC. Still great collectible and RARE in MS coin!!
View Coin Davenport 559 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Ludwig I (1825- 1848) Silver TALER 1827 BAVARIA - CUSTOMS TREATY 559 NGC MS 62
King Ludwig of Bayern and His Majesty, King Wilhelm I of Wurttemberg were sitting around a big table laden with wine and fruits in the central room of the palace. While holding a glass of fine wine in one hand, Wilhelm continued his speech about the coming economic challenges for the Southern German States: “...And the danger comes, of course, from our Big Brothers, Prussia and Austria! I would like to remind Your Majesty about His legacy towards his noble Father, Maximillian of Bavaria, God bless his soul. He was a very wise man and as soon as the Napoleonic War was over, he started talking about an economic reunion between the lands of Bavaria and Wurttemberg! I understood that past this idea did not work well in the past - we were too separate after the war, but times have changed! Prussia and Austria have already sign a trade agreement and they are thinking to take over the rest of German Land! We should move forward quickly! We need to create the Union and Freedom of trade in Southern Germany!”.
“The idea to have freedom of trade is really great, as is my father’s memory. He always wanted to see our people freed from the bondage of customs and tariffs, inside Germany, at least! But don’t we lose a great deal of revenue if we abolish custom fees and tariffs? I need a lot of money to rebuild and renovate Munich, the Capital…” said King Ludwig as he slowly chewed a grape in solemn thought. “Not at all, your Grace! We will remove internal tariffs but compensate for the loss in revenue by increasing external fees and custom rules. I am talking about trading with France, England and, of course, Northern German States. We are the South! We possess the power of mines and industry!” exclaimed King Wilhelm as he stood up with excitement.
“Very well, very well,” said Ludwig. Though he was listening intently to Wilhelm, his thoughts moved in a very different direction. “If he will unite the Southern German Lands under a Trading Agreement, which would help to boost the economy and make people richer and happier, then later it could be possible to unite all political power in one hand as well! And he is the one who can spread wealth and happiness to all of his citizens in loving Bavaria, and all of the German states! There would be abundance and nourishment for all, like from an antique cornucopia” Ludwig arose, saying, “I will definitely make a new coin, something in the classical antique style; perhaps a couple cornucopias and may be Caduceus as a symbol of negotiation and commerce… I must discuss the design with my engraver. My friend, I will make preparations for the Trade Agreement as soon as possible, for we will call it the Customs Treaty! We will sign it and honor my father legacy, by pursuing wealth and prosperity in our lands! And now I would like to show you some of the new paintings in my art gallery which I recently brought from Italy.”

In 1828 a Customs Union was set up between Bavaria and Wurttemberg but unfortunately at the same year Prussia, Austria and other Northern States start moving forward in development of Zollverein – the German Customs Union which eventually brought Prussia to the forefront of political power in Germany. But this is a story of its own. More to follow…
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1827, CUSTOMS TREATY
Davenport 559, KM 731, Thun 52, AKS 116, J.34
Commemoration of the Bavarian - Wurttemberg Custom Union of 1827-1828.
Obverse: Head fo Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK
Reverse: BAYERISCH -- WURTEMBERGISCHER ZOLLVEREIN, GESCHLOSSEN 1827 ( Bavarian - Wurttemberg custom union, formed 1827) , two cornucorias with caduceus on the center.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.
Clear fields, slightly toned, uncirculated with minimal hairlines from light swipping.
View Coin Davenport 560 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Ludwig I (1825- 1848) Silver TALER 1827 BAVARIA - ORDER OF LUDWIG 560 NGC MS 64 The birthday ball was in full swing; music was playing and lavishly dressed guests glided across the ballroom floor of the palace. August 25th in year 1827 was the day that Bavaria celebrated the birthday of its King Ludwig I. Celebratory orchestras filled the streets of Munich, and rivers of beer flowed throughout the land. Amidst the celebration, the King himself sat in his throne room and graciously accepted gifts and congratulations from his many guests that arrived from all corners of Germany. When finally the Director and Engraver of the Mint Cabinet Franz Ignaz von Streber approached the King, he offered an ornate wooden box - the King’s eyes flashed in awe, for he knew that the precious box contained a new Taler or other fancy trinket. The King exclaimed, “Dear Ignaz, can it be? Is it a brand new Taler?” Old artist inclined his head offering the box in proud presentation, “Your Grace, this is more than just a Taler!” Gently taking the box from Ignuz, Ludwig opened it carefully and his eyes widened in amazement. Upon a red velvet pillow, shining splendidly in pure gold, was a new Order, shaped as the Maltian Cross and reflecting Ludwig’s astonishment in its golden center. “I have never seen such masterwork before, Ignuz! What do you call this?” Exclaimed the King in wonder. “This,” replied the Mintmaster, “is the new Order of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, the first of its kind. It appears, your Grace, that you never had such an Order and you are definitely need one!” Ludwig inspected the Order closely, carefully, and confirmed his amazement as the magnificent piece cast radiant light across the room. However, a bothersome thought perturbed his imagination… to whom could he bestow this newfound Order to, and for what accomplishment? Ignuz seemed to recognize the King’s momentary unease, and stated, “Every King needs his own order, to reward servants to the King for valorous deeds in the name of Germany!” And now the King smiled slyly, saying, “Dear Franz, thank you for the wonderful gift! I have made a decision; you will be the first recipient of this prestigious Order, for excellency in the crafting of the Bavarian history in beautiful Orders and Coins! You are the first to be worthy of their grand purpose! Furthermore, you have been a faithful servant to this great realm for many years, and your work for my father Maximilan and me, Ludwig the First, must be memorialized forever!” In eternal gratitude, the Mintmaster bowed low and exclaimed, “As your Grace would will it, I shall graciously accept this infinite honor. It brings great joy to my heart to see recognition for the formation of the MuenzCabinet and the continual production of great coinage for this wondrous nation. Each Taler is yet another shining gem in the crown of all of your Grace’s achievements as the King of this land.” Ludwig bowed his head in return, saying, “My dear friend, you have my gratitude for this wondrous gift. But don’t forget,tomorrow, bring the sketch for the new Taler as well! We will call it “King Ludwig Order Taler”!”

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Order of Ludwig was awarded to the citizens and government workers for the honest and faithful service to the king as well as for the 50 years of service. During the time of war each year counts as two. The Order was designed as gold Cross for there high ranked officers and as a gold medal for the 50 years of faithful service to the king for the rest of servants and citizens.

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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1827, ORDER OF LUDWIG
Davenport 560, KM 732, Thun 53, AKS 118, J.35
Commemoration of the founding of the Order of Ludwig for the long and faithful service to the king.
Obverse: Head fo Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK
Reverse: STIFTUNG DES LUDWIGS-ORDENS (Founding of the Ludwig Order), the portrait of the king on cross with LUDWIG KOENIG VON BAYERN aroung, 1827 below.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.
Cameo strike, clear mirror fields, proof-like appearance.
View Coin Davenport 561 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Ludwig I (1825-1848) Silver TALER 1827 BAVARIA - THERESIEN ORDER 561 NGC MS 63 In the morning, King Ludwig lay in bed for a long while and tried remembering the many events that occurred the night before. Pain throbbed in his temples, soreness sat in his throat, and a strange metallic taste permeated his dry mouth. “Damn Spanish wine, (a gift from the King of Spain for Ludwig’s birthday), shouldn’t have drunk so much of it… At least the royal ball went well, for there was much merriment and cause for mystery as to how I ended up in my room this morning!” He resolved to ask his wife Theresa, and then remembered – “I have the feeling that she is upset with me, for it seems that I may have danced with a certain dame… or two… can’t remember any of it.” Sighing, the King staggered out of the bed and made his way to clean himself up before breakfast.
At breakfast, together they sat in an uncomfortable silence. King Ludwig would guiltily glance at his wife from time to time and absentmindedly pick at the food on his plate, yet Theresa stayed quiet and solemnly refused to look at her spouse. In his mind, Ludwig was coming to all sorts of conclusions: “Looks like it’s time to buy precious jeweled ring again…or even necklace ” Upon considering the cost to his Royal Treasury that another gift to his wife would claim, Ludwig suddenly started at noticing his wife’s eyes locked with his. With an air of disappointment, Theresa began, “How many more times, Your Majesty, should I tolerate your irresponsible antics? When we married, you assured me – no, you promised me – that you’d be mine and only mine, and would carry me in your arms. And now, you don’t even look at me for the whole night; not a single dance, not even a single glance!” Ludwig lowers his head, and uncomfortably responds, “My dear wife, please explain to me… whom could I have been looking at, if not you?”
Theresa’s eyes flashed – “I know not at whom you were looking. Your Majesty was too busy going around and bestowing the new Order of His Highness King Ludwig, or however you called it, to the men that you were drinking with! The Order of Ludwig! Or your Grace was too interested in constant flirtation with all those girls you surrounded yourself with, who have completely lost any shame they once had, not to mention honor! I always think, does our kingdom not have any mild-mannered, faithful girls, that honor themselves and don’t flirt with married men, even if it’s the King himself?!” Theresa rose, with anger in her face and lightning in her eyes. “Perhaps I’ll do as you have done, Your Highness, and will bestow an Order for every good-natured girl in our kingdom. I might even call it the Order of Theresa, the poor deceived wife who must bear the drunken escapades of her self-absorbed husband. Unlike your Order of Ludwig, that you were so generously giving out right and left in your inebriation; my Order will glorify clean lifestyles and will honor the pious, good-hearted women of the kingdom of Bavaria. Of course these recipients will be unmarried women of significant social stature – they must attend church and lead exclusively Puritan ways of life – as I myself pleasure in doing. Everything I do, I do to be an example for those that I represent. I have birthed heirs for us; I have raised them, and try to be the ideal wife for Your Highness and Queen for Your people – but you! Your drunken foolishness! Your female admirers!” – With her face in her hands, Theresa began to weep.
“Well, that didn’t go so well…” thought Ludwig. He approached her, embraced her tightly and looked into her eyes: “Forgive me, my love! There isn’t a single woman in this entire kingdom that is worth more to me than you are. All of our kingdom isn’t worth a single tear from your beautiful eyes! I assure you – no, I promise you – that henceforth I will be with you, and will only breathe and live for you alone.” His voice trembled. It seemed that he himself was beginning to believe the words coming out of his mouth. “Your desires are law for me! If you want an Order, then today an Order of Theresa will be specially excised for you – what a fantastic, royal name! To award this to the pious women of the land, I shall immediately sign a decree for 100 – no, 300 guldens for each woman you deem worthy of your prestigious Order! I have even thought of a name to bestow upon these honorable recipients – we shall call them “Ehrendame” before the entire royal court!”.

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The Order of Theresa is still continues to exist today as an noble society for the ladies from House of Wittelsbach and other aristocratic families in Bavaria. Queen Theresa originally determined eligibility for the ladies to be a christian, born under the Law of Church and non-married. She personally choose first twelve cavaliers of the Order and established an annual pension for each of them as well as the title of “Ehrendame” or “Dame of Honour”. The Order should be worn on the left breast and consist of a blue Maltese Cross with a white edge and a gold royal crown above. At the centre there is a gold bordered white medallion with the letter T. On the back there is an year (1827) as well as the motto: “Unser Leben sey Glaube an das Ewige” (Our life is faith forever). There are some Dames of Honour still living today such as the Princess of Liechtenstein, for example.
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1827, ORDER OF THERESE.
Davenport 561, KM 733, Thun 54, AKS 119, J.36.
Commemoration of the founding of the Order of Therese by the Queen.
Obverse: Head fo Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK.
Reverse: DIE KOENIGIN VON BAYERN STIFTET DEN THERESIEN ORDEN, the letter T in a wreath on Cross, 1827 below.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.
NGC MS 63+.

Definitely deserves "+" tier for the appearance - this Commemorative Thaler of Ludwig I of Bavaria shows reflective fields with touch of golden toning, slightly patchy on obverse as well as sharp uncirculated details. Single contact marks appreciated in the fields. Theresian Order - great collectible and high quality item!!
View Coin Davenport 562 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Ludwig I (1825- 1848) Silver TALER 1828 BAVARIA - MONUMENT 562 NGC MS 63 … “A letter from the King, for the Count,” exclaimed old valet, and with a bow of reverence presented a rather large package adorned with kingly symbols and a wax stamp bearing the letter “L”. Slowly, Count Franz Erwein von Schoenborn shut the book he was reading and apprehensively rose from his seat to greet the servant. “From the King? Surely you are not mistaken, Karl?” “Not at all, my lord! The clues do not lie; the package is from Munich, brought by the King’s courier, and the type as well… if you please, my Lord,” replied the servant calmly. Anxiously, the Count took hold of the package, saying, “Yes, it seems that my old friend Ludwig hasn’t forgotten about me! But what could be inside?” Opening the package, he found a small box with a folded letter; Franz instantly recognized the King’s handwriting. It read: “Dear friend, in memory of our mutual project, I send to you an example of the new Taler presenting our magnificent Pillar of the Constitution. As the ancient Greeks would say: one friend of the Constitution would send it to another! Our Pillar is a spectacular monument to the will of the German spirit! The Constitution, adopted by my father, shall unify us all before God and Law, and prevent the corruption and lawlessness that we suffered through during the dictatorship of Napoleon!” The Count opened the velvet box and thoughtfully eyed the gleaming new coin. Upon one side was stamped the majestic monolith of the Pillar, with an inscription of “The Pillar of the Constitution, erected by the Count von Schoenborn in memory of the year 1828”. On the other side, the regal profile of King Ludwig of Bavaria twinkled at him. With tears of memory in his eyes, the Count thought, “Thank you, Ludwig… thank you, my dear old friend.” He remembered how they hotly debated the project of the monument to commemorate the Ten Year Constitutional Anniversary, how they argued about the design with famous architect Leo von Klentze, who was brought by Ludwig himself from Munich and how in the year of 1821, the future King of Bavaria set into the earth the first foundation stone for a colossal monument. He also reminisced about the jubilant unveiling of the monument on the day of August 23rd, 1828, and the rivers of Bavarian beer and rapturous music and dance that marked a glorious day. The Celebration of the Constitution became an inseparable symbol of German culture, as thousands of people flocked from across the land to Gaibach to attend the festival. “Thank you, Ludwig, thank you, our dear, righteous King,” thought the Count as he looked at the new shiny coin in his hand… He did not yet know that on the celebration day of the year 1832, his good friend William Joseph Behr would utter a speech that would have him arrested as a slanderer of His Highness the King. Despite numerous appeals in the year 1835, he would be pronounced guilty and thrown into prison. Following this turn of events, the Count von Schoenborn entirely ceased to participate in politics any longer, and Constitutional celebrations in Gaibach were abandoned.
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1828, COLUMN OF THE CONSTITUTION
Davenport 562, KM 735, Thun 55, AKS 123, J.38
Commemoration of Tenth Anniversary of the Bavarian Constitution.
Obverse: Head fo Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK
Reverse: VERFASSUNGSSAEULE ERRICHTET VOM GR. V. SCHOENBORN, Column, EINGEWEIHT 1828.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.
NGC MS 63.
Cameo strike, proof-like appearance, some tiny hairlines in the fields.
View Coin Davenport 563 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Ludwig I (1825-1848). Silver TALER 1828 BAVARIA - ROYAL FAMILY 563 PCGS MS 62 Young Adalbert lay snugly wrapped in a snowy white blanket, sucking his pacifier with tranquility. “What a beautiful creation! But more importantly – look, one can already see the features of the Wittelsbach Family twinkling through him! That nose, that profile, it looks kingly already! And how sweetly he minds that binky,” exclaimed Ludwig as he embraced Theresa, and they lovingly looked into the baby’s crib. The newborn prince was yet another much-anticipated heir to the royal line of King Ludwig I of Bavaria. He was the youngest of four brothers, the other three having provided the Wittelsbach line with a bright future of great promise. “Thank you, my love,” whispered Ludwig as he kissed his wife, his eyes shining with tears of overwhelming pride. Another heir, all that a true king could possibly hope for! “It truly is some sort of a divine blessing upon our family. In fact, “Heavenly Blessing” sounds excellent as an inscription of some kind… let’s ask our dear director of the Muentzkabinet to issue a Memorial Taler for my youngest son and heir gracing these words, at once!” Instantly, Ludwig was swept into wild imaginings of the future Taler’s lustre and gleam until his wife’s curly brown hair softly came to rest upon his shoulder. “Dearest husband and King, but what of the other children? They too are all divine blessing upon this beautiful family. Surely it would be gracious to create a special Taler for each of them!” Thoughtfully, Ludwig replied, “Not a bad idea, my dear, we would get eight gorgeous, unique Talers – one for each precious child,” until suddenly, an enchanting idea invited his eyes to widen, “…or even better, we’ll have one great Taler to include all eight of them in their splendor! What an astonishing idea! We shall call it the Family Taler, the first of its kind!” In rapture of excitement, he swiftly kissed his wife and ran to find the Muentzdirektor.
————————————————————————————————— Male heirs were of utmost importance to the royal family – without them, the future of the kingly bloodline would be threatened. In the year 1834, the German historian Kramer wrote, “The ancient trunk is threatened that has only one branch, yet the eternal sky still watches the holy oak of Wittelsbach – and with its blessing, the tree’s radiant canopy has opened yet again.” The Family Taler displays the children of Ludwig I and his queen Theresa: the crown prince Maximilian, behind whom is Maximilian II (born 11/28/1811), Mathilda (08/30/1813), Otto (06/01/1815) – furthermore, the king of Greece, Leopold (03/14/1821) with prince-regent Adelgund (03/19/1823), Hildegard (06/10/1825), Alexander (08/26/1826) and Adalbert (07/19/1828). Another daughter, Theodolinde (10/07/1816) died during childhood and was unable to feature on the coin.
The Family Taler was of such popularity that even other kings tried to replicate the idea; for instance, the Russian Emperor Nicholas I released a series of Family Rubles, the likeness of which resembles the Family Taler of Ludwig I! 
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1828, ROYAL FAMILY.
Davenport 563, KM 734, Thun 56, AKS 121, J.37.
For the Blessing of Heaven on the Royal Family.
Obverse: Head fo Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK
Reverse: SEGEN DES HIMMELS, portrait of the mother queen surrounded by those of her eight children, 1828 below.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.
PCGS MS 62.
Dull luster, sharp design, uncirculated and beautiful.
View Coin Davenport 564 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Ludwig I (1825-1848). Silver TALER 1829 BAVARIA - COMMERCE TREATY 564 NGC MS 62 Baron Johann Friedrich von Cotta did not sleep all night. His writing desk was overflowing with countless papers, each saturated with fine scrawls of black script. He would pull one out of the stack, briefly glare at it, angrily tear it to shreds, and mindlessly reach for another blank sheet to begin scrawling anew. Plumes of blue tobacco smoke hung motionless under the ceiling of the musty library. For the Baron knew that tomorrow would be a momentous day; he must speak at the Munich Assembly, with hopes of convincing King Ludwig of Bavaria to agree to a Customs Union with Prussia and Hesse-Darmstadt. Following a prolonged discussion with Friedrich von Motz, the Prussian Minister of Finance, the Baron understood the various political landmarks that such a union could create. A firm union between the North and South would not only weaken Middle Union states like Saxony and Hannover, but would also greatly lessen the influence of foreign traders such as France and England - not to mention Austria, who stubbornly refused to join the Union. The Baron thought to himself, “Convincing King Ludwig will be a difficult and trying task, considering his insistence for Bavarian dominance in this region… but perhaps I can find a few potent arguments.” Friedrich Wilhelm, the King of Prussia, would find himself in the position to make various concessions and to lose some money - but it would be for the greater good. For one cannot forget that the industrial sector of Prussia is desperately in need of coal and silver from Harz, among other southern lands. The Austrian economy is at stake! Such a union would bring Prussia into the pinnacles of German power.
The next day, golden rays of sun shone through the palace windows, reflecting polychromatic brilliance through carved wineglasses and ornate jewelry worn by distinguished ministers and officials. Amid the atmosphere the Baron roared, “We will join our lands with duty-free roads! The heart of Harz will be linked with Prussian factories! In time, the Zollverein could even expand to the Middle States! If we join our powers, we will show the rest of our impotent neighbors, especially - Austria - that our beloved Germany is united in its power and DOMINANCE!” With this the Baron fell back into his chair and downed an entire glass of wine in one triumphant swig. Silence hung in the air like smoke, and all eyes were fixed on the contemplative form of King Ludwig of Bavaria. Rising slowly from his seat, the King regally lifted his hand and held aloft his brimming glass of wine. After a moment of silence, he suddenly bellowed, “To the new Customs Union! To a Germany without borders! To the freedom of trade! To prosperity!” And immediately the entire palace became filled with thunderous applause! The King of Bavaria rejoiced, for his father’s long-standing dream had finally been fulfilled; Germany slowly but surely edged towards unity and blossoming wealth. As if to comfort the tears of joy in his eyes, an idea split his mind like a flash of white lightning - he should make a Taler, adorned with cornucopias and noble shields and a caduceus! It would be beauty incarnate!

After a time, all other states joined the Zollverein under Prussian leadership. This led to the unity of Germany under Prussian economic and political power.
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1829, COMMERCE TREATY.
Davenport 564, KM 738, Thun 57, AKS 124, J.39.
Commemoration of the Bavarian - Prussian- Wurttemberg and Hesse Commerce Treaty.
Obverse: Head fo Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK
Reverse: HANDELSVERTRAG ZWISCHEN BAYERN, PREUSSEN, WURTTEMBERG UND HESSEN, 1829 (Commercial Treaty between Bavaria, Prussia, Wurttemberg and Hesse) , two cornucorias with caduceus on the center and four shields around.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.

Commemorative "Historic" Taler of Ludwig I of Bavaria - to Commemorate the Commercial Treaty between Bavaria, Prussia, Wurttemberg and Hesse. Heavily toned with some contact marks and hairlines, dark-bronze mirrored fields create very sophisticated look and possibly determine the grade - graded as MS 62 by NGC. Still great collectible and RARE in MS coin!!
View Coin Davenport 565 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Ludwig I (1825- 1848) Silver TALER 1835 BAVARIA - CROWN IN WREATH 565 NGC MS 63 King Ludwig sat at his splendid desk and carefully, meticulously looked over a bright new stempelglanz; this Kronentaler was solemnly given to him by the director of the Müenzkabinet for direct personal inspection. With a bow of respectful grace, Ignatz von Streber proudly pronounced, “What you see in this coin shall be a new series of Kronentaler… and as Your Majesty requested, displaying an entirely new style of hair.” Ludwig scrutinized the piece intensely, restlessly muttering, “No, no, there is something quite wrong with the hair… these locks above the ears are placed so improperly! In fact, I desired for my kingly forehead to be opened wide for the entire world to revel at, akin to that of a stern Greek philosopher! Surely you understand, Ignatz, that a mighty forehead is to be revealed and proudly worn at all times - it is a sign of great knowledge and deep wisdom! And what is it exactly that you have brought me here? How would all of my subjects regard such a picture? They would see their beloved King in all his glory as he emerged from his bed as though he were near the brink of a splendid death, after a miserable night with a mistress whose name he had long forgotten!”
…..
Suddenly, the King’s voice grew considerably gentler: “Actually, the Lady Regina, yes, Regina Daxenberger - beautiful and wild, perhaps even dangerous...” the King’s faced smiled as though recalling a beautifully fragrant memory. “I have already commissioned my artist Joseph Stieler to create a portrait of her for my own personal Gallery of Beauties! A dear friend of mine, she is a great lady, a pure Bavarian despite being a lowly copper-smith’s daughter! After having asked her to be the First Lady for the Royal Ball with the Duke Maximilian, I was thrilled that she consented! We danced wildly all night and I have no recollection of how the course of events ended up in my bedroom… Unfortunately, the next morning, my artist Joseph insisted that I pose for a solid few hours for some sort of portrait, despite not feeling crisp at all myself.”

After this, the director of the Muenzkabinet decided to interrupt; with a bow, he said, “If your Grace permits me, I believe I know what kind of portrait Herr Stieler painted that morning.” Raising a surprised brow, Ludwig exclaimed, “Oh do you? So would you be so kind as to inform me about this damn portrait exactly?” Respectfully, Ignatz von Streber did not move and maintained his bow throughout his answer: “I believe it was ordered to inscribe thy great profile into the new Kronentaler, as per the order of the Müenzkabinet. In fact, it is the very coin that you hold in your jeweled hands.” Returning his gaze to the sparkling piece of metallic artistry held in his fingers, Ludwig sighed, “So this is the outcome…” He glanced over his shining metallic profile with a momentary glint of mad delight in his eyes.

Finally, he sighed, “In that case, it makes complete sense for my hair to tell such a wild story. If the finest hair artists in the kingdom could not tame my mad lion’s mane, then so be it, it must be left as is. To do otherwise is not in accordance with the will of God, and as God’s direct messenger and pure incarnation, I would most definitely know. As for the forehead, I am no Greek philosopher, no damned Aristotle - instead, I am King Ludwig of Bavaria! Nothing more, and nothing less! If I have the love of my subjects, then it is all that this vessel of God would ever need. In fact, Ignatz, change nothing! Send the Kronentaler into circulation as is, complete with my fabulous hair!”
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1835, KRONENTALER.
Davenport 565, KM 751 (394), Thun 48, AKS 76, J.30.
Regular issue Taler (Krone).
KEY DATE and LOW MINTAGE - 7500 only.
Obverse: Head of the Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN.
Reverse: Crown within wreath, "GERECHT UND BEHARRLICH" (Just and firm).
Edge: BAYERISCHER KRONTHALER
29.5400 g., 0.8710 Silver, 0.8272 oz. ASW.
Slightly toned, dull luster, uncirculated and rare. Key Date.
View Coin Davenport 566 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Ludwig I (1825- 1848) Silver TALER 1830 BAVARIA - LOYALTY 566 PCGS MS 64 News from across the border had begun to grow worse with the passage of time. The year 1830 never failed to bring new surprises to the royal dynasties of Europe. Before the cannonades of a rebellious France quieted down, the bloody July Revolution broke the Bourbon throne and forced King Charles X to flee the country. In pursuit, the fires of rebellion flared in Brussels as well as in the southern province of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. The separatists, which consisted of students and working class men and women, demanded the independence of Belgium as a separate Kingdom. This alarming societal turbulence came to arise as well in Switzerland and Italy.

“Even Poland, even Poland breaking from the Russian Empire! There is way too much blood flowing from this world,” lamented King Ludwig as he grimly watched on from the window into the depths of a thick Bavarian night. He could not help but sense the wraith impending doom hanging overhead, bearing down on his beloved Bavaria, his sacred Germany. “Damn these Romantics; who do these students think they are? They are students, revolutionaries, but mere children! They do not know what they bargain for when they look for such unknown changes!”

“O God, deliver and save my beloved Bavaria! Who needs this constitutional monarchy? If the King understands how to wield his people to the purest extent, there is no use for a Parliament! They would only deliberate endlessly about the King’s firm decisions! No. Only the King must hold the reins of his kingdom aloft, through the grace of God Himself!”

All of a sudden, the King’s thoughts took an entirely new direction. “I must give back to my subjects, and show them the meaning of their righteous King! In all the months of this revolutionary year, not a single spark of discontent appeared within the walls of my Kingdom. Surely they must love their life, their land, their leader! Alas, my heart burns to somehow reflect your unceasing devotion and humility! I shall resolve to introduce a new holiday, to be called the “Day of Kingly Loyalty” and to overflow with festivity and cheer!”

And instantly, an idea gleamed within the eyes of the righteous monarch: “Or better yet - I will bestow to each and every one of my beloved Bavarian subjects a special Taler - it will sing 'TO LOYALTY’! Surely the Goddess of Loyalty and Devotion, Eusebia, belongs within the coin’s shining embrace. She shall be seated with an oak branch in hand, held aloft, as the symbol for Germany… A hound will rest at her feet, as yet another incarnation of pure devotion and loyalty to the one and only cause!” Hurriedly, the King flew to his writing desk and began to order the commission of an entirely new Bavarian coin.
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King Ludwig was indeed correct - the year 1830 proved to be exceedingly tranquil for his beloved Bavaria, as for the entirety of Germany. At that point he had no clue as to the impending thunder of the year 1844, when Bavaria would flare into the winds of revolt as seen in the “Beer Riot”; this thunder would eventually culminate with the bloody Revolution of 1848 and his royal abdication. But this chapter of the story yet remains to be told!
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1830, LOYALTY.
Davenport 566, KM 750, Thun 58, AKS 125, J.40.
Commemorative - for the faithfulness of Bavarians to the King.
Obverse: Head fo Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK
Reverse: BAYERNS TREUE (Faithfulnes of Bavarians), seated femail with oak branch and dog. 1830 below.
PCGS MS 64.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.
Dul luster, spotty toning, uncirculated.
View Coin Davenport 568 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Ludwig I (1825-1848). Silver TALER 1832 BAVARIA - PRINCE OTTO 568 NGC MS 63 “Only a monarchy!”

As he rigidly looked around the room at the seated diplomats, the British Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston felt his sideburns flare in austerity. “There are more than enough noble families in Europe that could provide a suitable monarch for this young country that has only recently shed 400 years of Turkish control and brutality.” As he turned to France and Russia, the other “Great Powers”, it struck him that he was Great Britain’s mouthpiece in deciding the fate of a sovereign European government. The diplomats exchanged tense glances.

“We must find a young prince from a good family and give unto him the reins of power. In time he will find his wisdom with the help of our power in counsel, finances, and military.” Palmerston sat down at the table, put on his spectacles, and began to search through a stack of papers. “Ah, how about young Leopold, the Duke of Saxe-Coburg - would he not make a great prince for the Greek State?”

“A moment, if you please…”

The quiet voice penetrated the silence and surprised the Foreign Secretary - in fact, every man in the room turned to see from where the sound began its flight. It was Baron Rothschild, the financial genius of the English Crown, whose leaden opinion carried unspeakable weight. “Unfortunately the Rothschild Bank cannot possibly satisfy the requirements of Prince Leopold. He already requested an absurd amount of 60 million francs in exchange for promising safety on northern borders. In addition, the young monarch has repeatedly stated that he preferred to assume the Kingship of newly-formed Belgium - something to do with staying closer to his own homeland. We certainly cannot lend gigantic sums to a King that threatens unpredictability in his decision making.” After Rothschild returned to stony silence, Lord Palmerston drew a deep breath, saying, “So be it, let us seek out other candidates.”

“And how about Prince Otto, the son of Ludwig, King of Bavaria?” All eyes again sought out the speaker, who revealed himself to be Colonel Carl Wilhelm von Heideck, a brave soldier and national hero. Arising, this iron-willed man began to address the court of diplomats: “The prince is young and full of life, adores Greece, and above all, has the the support of Ludwig with his Bavarians and his money. The King has already endured vast financial expenditure - mind you, more than any other European monarch - directed toward sustaining the Greek struggle for independence and now should deserve to see the fruits of his effort. What better gift than to see his own son hold the reins of power?”

Not a bad idea, thought Palmerston, one that would favor the Germans - his gaze remained fixed on the speaker. “And what does the Prince of Bavaria, a Roman Catholic, have in common with the Greek traditions, language, religion? The populace would surely reject such a foreign King.” Inclining his head proudly, Colonel von Heideck flared back in quick rebuttal: “The honorable Lord forgets that Prince Otto himself is a direct descendant of the royal Greek dynasties. His ancestor, Duke John II was also a direct descendant of the Komnenos and Laskaris dynasties. As for the language and traditions, the prince is young and eager to learn it all!”

Lord Palmerston arose with conviction: “Are there any other suggestions?” - the resulting silence from the court could not be clearer - "Then it is decided! Send word to Munich immediately, and may the prince assume his position without delay. This assembly is adjourned.” The court of diplomats begun to dissociate in a relieved flurry of activity. The Lord then turned to the Russian and French diplomats, saying, “As for us, we must turn our discussion to the future borders of the new kingdom…”



So in 1832 the Great Powers - Britain, France, and Russia - decided the fate of Greece without consulting a single Greek individual. On the seventh of May, the decision was made to install Prince Otto of Bavaria as the King of a newly independent Greece. King Ludwig signed the Coronation agreement on May 27th and on August 8th, the Greek Assembly signed its final approval of appointing Otto as King. Despite loving the country and heritage with all his heart, Otto never became the shining beacon of stability and hope for the Greek people. This eventually brought with it the storms of uprising and the shame of abdication… but this is the story to come.

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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport

Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).

Taler 1832, PRINCE OTTO.

Davenport 568, KM 761, Thun 60, AKS 127, J.42.

Commemorative - for the selection of Prince Otto of Bavaria as first king of Greece.

Obverse: Head of the Ludwig I to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK

Reverse: OTTO PRINZ V. BAYERN GRIECHENLANDS ERSTER KOENIG, Prince Otto receiving crown from Greece, 1832 below.

PCGS MS 63.

28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.

This is another example of the "Historical Talers" of King Ludwig I of Bavaria - to Commemorate the Prince Otto to be chosen as first King of Greece. This is another high-quality collectible -MS 63 grade per NGC is well-deserved for this gorgeous coin with clear uncirculated fields, amazing sharp detail of the design and satin luster through the surfaces. Touch of spotty toning gives extra appealing look. Couple tiny scratches on obverse did not affect the grade. Great collectible and investment item!
View Coin Davenport 569 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Ludwig I (1825-1848). Silver TALER 1833 BAVARIA - CUSTOMS UNION 569 NGC MS 63 “My dear Ludwig!” - exclaimed Friedrich Wilhelm III through shining eyes underneath somber brows - “Enough playing games, I have seen through them all already! All of your attempts to unify the South under your political influence break upon the rocks of Prussian economic superiority. What good lies within your Custom Unions when all of your allies promise you one thing yet actually run to me behind your back and beg for economic favors? Yes, I refer to your friends Leopold and Wilhelm, those who rule Baden and Wurttemberg… they already sent emissaries to me and asked me to take them within our trade union. And furthermore, you yourself dream of a unified and strong Germany, yet Prussia, as you know, is the largest and strongest territory. And your currency! Of course I value your Guilders but let us acknowledge the truth - within every region is witnessed the superiority of the Vereinsmunze Talers. For this reason, my dear friend, the sooner that we (and I refer to Prussia and Bavaria) embrace each other within a solitary Custom Union, there will the economy be firmest, of our lands and of Germany.”

King Friedrich took a mouthful of wine from his crystal glass. He and King Ludwig I sat in the ornate Great Hall of the Palace. The meeting between the two monarchs occurred behind closed doors in solitude, and only one theme dominated the discussion: the establishment of a unitary economic climate within German lands. Slowly, King Ludwig rose from his armchair and took a few slow, measured steps. Within his head, thoughts tore away at his patience. He understood perfectly well that Prussia dominated Bavaria in economy and in sheer territory. He also understood that all of his efforts in the creation of the 1828 Southern Custom Union have fallen by the wayside and he can no longer exert his influence in the region at hand. Something needed to be done, and coincidentally, King Friedrich decides to visit the Palace. “You speak of Wurttemberg and Baden?” Said the King, exhaling slowly and setting his wineglass upon the table. “I understand perfectly well, dear Friedrich, your intentions to unify the region under Prussia’s centrality. You would have all other regions as your vassals paying their dues to Your Highness.” With this Ludwig met the gaze of the Prussian king head-on. “I am speaking of an economic union - politically, Bavaria shall remain as its own subject of influence with its own boundaries and with its own king.” Friedrich did not break the gaze of the Bavarian monarch. Friedrich began: “You already have lost Hessen and soon shall lose Wurttemberg, dearest Ludwig. Let us set aside all prejudices and make a decision that will benefit us all and all of the German people.”

Friedrich took another swig of wine. Ludwig eyed the Prussian monarch carefully. Ludwig asked, “How is it that we can unify all of the Custom Unions - South, North, and the Thuringian States?” Friedrich replied sharply, “My dear friend! Today I have invited Herr Friedrich List from France, our famous compatriot and the finest economist in the world and he shall, within the month, formulate a plan for a transition to a new economic level, to a, say, unitary German Custom Union. We shall unify the North, Central, and Southern Unions under the same economic rules and currency, to honor a Unified Germany!” - and Friedrich straightened his back to his full stature with wineglass in hand, seeming to offer a toast to the Bavarian king. “Splendid!” exclaimed Ludwig, also raising his glass to meet the Prussian’s, “to the flourishing and economic unification of Germany!” He understood that today he needed to strike this deal in order to avoid the collapse of the Southern Union, yet tomorrow would be a different day and nobody could know how Austria would behave herself, another great power in the massive chess game that is United Germany.
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And thus the German Custom Union was born. Soon over 20 million Germans would live under the same Customs rules and tariffs. The monetary system as well as all measurements experienced a unification. The economy grew, railroads were constructed, and banks were blooming - especially the Central Bank of Prussia. Yet the economic unification did not bring a political peacetime to the German states. Due to Prussian dominance over the other German states, the states grew more and more unstable and as a result, Prussia and Austria declared war on each other in 1866. The political instability grew to such a great extent that even Bavaria and some other medium-sized members of the Zollverein such as Hesse-Kassel, Hannover, and Nassau joined Austria in her fight against the Prussian regime - but this is another story to come…
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1833, CUSTOM UNION.
Davenport 569, KM 762 (403), Thun 61, AKS 128, J.43.
Commemorative - for the Custom Union with Prussia, Saxony, Hesse and Thuringia.
Obverse: Head of the Ludwig I to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK.
Reverse: ZOLLVEREIN MIT PREUSSEN, SACHSEN, HESSEN U. THURINGEN, standed figure of godness of trade with caduceus, conucopias and anchor with prow of ship. 1833 below.
NGC MS 63+.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.

Commemorative "Historic" Taler of Ludwig I of Bavaria - to Commemorate the Custom Union between Bavaria, Prussia, Saxony, Hesse and Thuringia. Attractive smoky toning with full luster preserved, mirrored fields with only some contact marks and hairlines, better-for grade appearance - great collectible uncirculated find for ANY german coins collector!! Popular coin on market!!
View Coin Davenport 570 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Ludwig I (1825-1848). Silver TALER 1833 BAVARIA - MONUMENT 570 NGC MS 64 The gray curtain fluttered wildly in the wind as it began to fall, slowly revealing the cold gleam of the Obelisk. The crowd of people silently looked on as the colossal stele gradually shed its loose gray skin, bringing to light the immensity of a great needle puncturing the blue of the October skies. Once they were raised from the depths of the Mediterranean following the Battle of Navarino, Turkish cannons passed through the hellfire of Ruhr furnaces to transform into sheets of shimmering blue steel plate, coldly wrapping the sides of the needle – as though reminiscent of the boundless frozen fields in Russia upon which countless thousands of Bavarians drew their last breath, back in the year 1812 under the command of Bonaparte.
Aged veterans stood with tears in their weary eyes. To finally realizing this dream demanded considerable expense and effort – but at long last, the steely tribute of the living to the dead stood proud and unshakable in the wind.
Even King Ludwig could not keep from releasing tears on such a momentous occasion, and his heart shone with honor to stand beside his family members during the monument’s unveiling ceremony. He proudly remembered the long and arduous road that led to this day, an endeavor begun long ago by his father in the distant year of 1818. At the outset, the master architect Leo Von Klenze devised a majestic project to erect the monolithic column at Odeon Place, but this plan was met with certain problems. The column demanded vast sums of metal for which there was little money – even the chosen location proved unrealistic, as much of the city would have needed to be demolished to make space for a monument of such a grand scale. After several overly heated discussions, Leo begrudgingly modified his plans – he decided to craft the column from ordinary bricks, to be wrapped with an outside layer of cast iron plates. For this they melted down old church bells and rusted Turkish cannons, the aged relics of battles long past. The new location for the monument was chosen to be Karolinen Place, an agreeable stretch of open land. By far the most important segment of the monolith was the massive bronze base, expertly crafted by the legendary casting-master Johann Baptist Stiglmaler. Ludwig himself engraved the words into the heavy plaque, immortalizing them in solid bronze.
Closing his eyes, Ludwig read aloud: “For the thirty thousand Bavarians who met their deaths in the Russian Wars, laying down their lives for the liberation of the Fatherland. Erected by Ludwig I of Bavaria upon completion on October 18th, 1833.” How wonderfully it sounded! He remembered soulfully reciting it to his dear wife Teresa, who responded in surprise, “Your Grace! What ‘liberation of the fatherland’ does it refer to?” Ludwig responded, “It speaks of releasing our Bavaria from the clutches of the enemy. Our soldiers always gave their lives for the Fatherland! Why, is something not right?” In quick reply, Teresa said, “I think it needs a little more clarification – from what enemy was the Fatherland liberated? Napoleon? From the Russians? And what Fatherland is it referring to? Bavaria? Russia?”
“Of course, it refers to our common enemy Napoleon,” snapped Ludwig, “Or no, wait, back then we were allied with the French to liberate the lands of Bavaria from the Russians. But Bavaria wasn’t part of Russia back then – those were just Napoleonic stories… it appears that I’m thoroughly confused.” With this, he collapsed into his chair, distraught and perplexed. “It’s decided! We won’t change a thing about the memorial plaque. Let each decide for themselves, whatever land was protected from whatever enemy.. those details are trifles. The obelisk itself is for our valiant soldiers! I’m tired and need to eat.”

Of the 30,000 Bavarians that departed to Russia with Napoleon in the year 1812, only 2000 returned with the honorable General Wrede. The rest of them remained in those frigid fields, the new Fatherland that was promised by Napoleon. In truth, the original inscription on Ludwig’s Obelisk had nothing to with the “Liberation war of 1813-1815” that liberated Germany from Napoleon – rather, it reflected the hypocrisy of the politics at that time.
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.

Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).

Taler 1833, MONUMENT TO THE FALLEN BAVARIANS.

Davenport 570, KM 763, Thun 62, AKS 129, J.44.

Commemorative - for the 30000 Bavarians who lost their lives in the Russian campaigns.

Obverse: Head of the Ludwig I to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK

Reverse: DENKMAHL DER DREYSSIG TAUSEND BAYERN WELCHE IM RUSSISCHEN KRIEGE DEN TOD FANDEN, Monument 1833 below.

NGC MS 64.

28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.

Rare type of "Historic Talers" of Ludwig I of Bavaria - for Bavarians who lost their life in Russia during the Napoleon War - only single coins you can find as MS-graded. This particular thaler attenuated with patchy toning, clear fields with golden iridescence and sharp uncirculated details. Some scratches noted on reverse at 1 o'clock. Desirable piece for any collection!!
View Coin Davenport 571 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Ludwig I (1825- 1848) Silver TALER 1834 BAVARIA - LEGISLATURE 571 NGC MS 63 PL “Ehre Dem Ehre Geburt - Honor to Whom Honor is Due” - this phrase echoed incessantly through the mind of King Ludwig, not giving him a moment’s peace. Who was it that had said it? Romans 13:7, Apostle Paul… With a deep breath, Ludwig tried to regain some concentration. He was listening to the presentation of the new Minister of the Interior, Count Louis of Oettingen-Wallerstein regarding the sorting of duties within the Parliament as well as throughout all of Bavaria. The new Minister proved to be quite aggressive - in a short period of time, he had already established a reputation as a radical mind, not tolerating any sort of liberalism. This was in stark contrast to the former Minister, the old and prudent Johann Baptist von Sturmer. “Honor to Whom Honor is Due”, or to rephrase “Each gets what he deserves”… “Hah! My Father Max surely outdid himself with his acclaimed Constitution. Not only that, he founded the Parliament or Landtag in 1819 - it was originally intended to serve as a coexistence of two Houses, the upper and the lower. The Upper House consisted of members of the aristocracy and royal families, together with government officials and higher-status landowners. The Lower House - that was truly the source of troubles and weeds of dissent, for it included the representatives of small landowners, peasants, townspeople, and uneducated folk.” Ludwig exhaled and kept listening to the speaker. “Let us remember what had occurred on the first of March 1831! Your Majesty surely remembers that disgraceful Landtag! Hours upon hours spent and still the Parliament could not reach any sort of agreement! Eduard von Schenk and his cabinet created an utter chaos that day, and instead of building a new foundation of Law and Prosperity they build an opposition, closer to anarchy! Thanks to the honorable Johann Baptist von Sturmer the liberals infiltrated all of the houses of Landtag! The laughable "freedom of speech" ended up as a freedom for dirty accusations and criticisms of the government! For yellow newspapers, for liars! They even dared to cut the funding for our noble military, our strength! Even the royal budget of Your Majesty was touched with their filthy hands - and what about the poor contractors who already completed their work and never received any payment? Our Upper House is growing so tired of vetoing all of the wretched initiatives from the Lower House, and eventually the entire lawmaking procedure will be reduced to chaos. Look at what happened to Poland in December - they suffered an uprising! The Polish Sejm was forced to collapse and stop its functioning. This is unacceptable, I vow to end the disgusting fight for power that comes at the expense of our beloved Bavaria! My Landtag 1834 will be a truly different story, where everything and everybody is in agreement. The projects of our law will be both viable and sustainable - no more liberals! No more opposition! Enough is enough!” …”Ehre Dem Ehre Gebuhrt” - thought Ludwig, “doesn’t sound like a bad motto for a new Taler, for the united Landtag!” He sighed with relief. Enough politics and bad news! He had already quit listening to the presenter, painting in his imagination the delicate details and contours of the newest coin, replete with the kingly profile of Ludwig I of Bavaria.
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And so the liberal Landtag did not survive under the lobbying pressure of the government and aristocracy. After the Polish Uprising in December, the repression had started. The Temporary Liberal Government of Johann Baptist von Sturmer was replaced by the radical team belonging to Count Louis of Oettingen-Wallerstein. The new government began to censor and repress the publishing freedom of the press, resulting in the banning of almost all newspapers in opposition. Due to the high risk of a people’s uprising, the military was sent to the Province of Rhine. Furthermore, many people fell under arrest or exile - mostly leaders of the liberal opposition. The repression did, however, help the Parliament as the new Landtag in 1834 was entirely free of dissent. But this came at the expense of the people, and the dark seed of future revolution was already planted in the fertile Bavarian soil.
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1834, LEGISLATURE.
Davenport 571, KM 765A (405), Thun 63, AKS 130, J.45.
Commemorative - in honor of legislature of 1834.
Obverse: Head of the Ludwig I to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK
Reverse: EHRE DEM EHRE GEBUHRT, wreath with oak leaves, LANDTAG 1834 inside.
NGC MS 62 PL.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.
Proof strike, mirror fields, some hairlines - spectacular coin.
View Coin Davenport 572 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Ludwig I (1825- 1848). Silver TALER 1834 BAVARIA - MONUMENT 572 NGC MS 62
The royal hunt was in full swing. Horses galloped fiercely, champing at their bits, while dogs barked and horns rang shrilly in the crisp air; in the distance, the faint silhouette of a fleeing deer faded further from the royal hunting party. King Ludwig I of Bavaria flew over the fields upon his raven-colored steed, downright reveling in the thrill of the pursuit, wind beating against his face, and uncontainable excitement bubbling in his belly, which only the true hunter can recognize in tenacious pursuit of his fleeing prey. He felt so caught up in the heat of the moment that he soon found himself in a dark wood, with the sounds of the trailing party far-off in the distance. In time he recognized that he would find himself all alone in the unnavigable woods, heading in an unknown direction. All around him he beheld such beauty, as birds madly filled the air with their piercing songs, and as the unmistakable fragrance of flowers coursed upwards like invisible fire, that it seemed that the King had lost his head and forgot about all, surrendering entirely to the thunderstorm within his mind. Gradually the horse slowed to a trot, continuing on its forward course, occasionally casting quick backwards glances at the rider upon his sturdy back, lost to himself in dreamlike reverie. Soon the sentinel trunks started to thin and Ludwig arrived at a clearing where the peasants’ wheat fields had their rim and boundary. The King looked around… the place seemed to present itself as increasingly familiar to him. In the distance he beheld the sorrowful ruins of some ancient keep, containing a moderately sized Gothic church dome, as though growing from the remnants of walls and other forgotten structures. “It cannot be” - thought Ludwig suddenly and galloped in the direction of the old castle. Nearing the ruins, the King again cast his gaze in every which direction. He could have no doubt: before him lay the ruins of the former place of origin of the Wittelsbach family, the Burg Wittilinesbach, destroyed in 1209 following the murder of King Philip of Swabia by the vengeful Count Otto of Wittelsbach. In any case, thus sayeth the family legend. The King approached the walls and placed his jeweled hand upon the warm, overgrown mossy stones from a distant age - almost as from an opened barrel did the childhood memories flood through him. He remembered the tales told by his father of the might of the former Wittelsbach clan, of the brutally long war, of the family citadel that had collapsed into utter damnation over the centuries… and suddenly from behind he heard the din of galloping horses, as his hunter’s party approached - one among them sped towards his King, evidently troubled by having lost his Majesty in the wood. Ludwig positively shone towards the approaching huntsman, “Behold, Hans! These worthy ruins! Once this was an imperturbable fortress, wherein resided the dynasties of kings! Here were born future kings! Here were decided the fates of kingdoms! And what now, merely stones and blossoms. Our life is this way… today you are the hero and the pinnacle of human will to power, deciding the destinies of others, and tomorrow - only ruins shall remain and future generations shan’t even remember you.” Bowing before the King, the aged huntsman replied, “Your Highness, in this region of Bavarian Swabia lie the greatest wetlands for hunting, especially following the ruinous death of the castle… do you not desire to continue the hunt? We have lost our way to the side, for the moment.” Ludwig quickly acquiesced, “Of course, of course,” mounting his horse once again. Departing from the castle, nevertheless again the King cast his gaze behind him at the green-stained ruins that stood shrouded in dense trees and even denser mystery. “Burg Wittilinesbach… what a splendid name for a castle! The place where my ancestors lived positively cannot be left in ruins lost in the woods. I, the King of the land, will not allow it. The castle shall be rebuilt and returned to its royal dynasty.” - together with these thoughts the King galloped forth out of the clearing, tenderly bearing them as precious mental cargo, gaining speed and soon rejoining the remainder of the hunting party.
“Your Highness!” Exclaimed the royal treasurer with worry as he eyed the document that contained the preliminary plans for the renovation of the castle with the preliminary budget and fiscal estimates… “our treasury does not contain such a sum! You would have to heighten taxes or take a loan from the bank. We had already spent more than necessary on the construction and revitalization of Your capital - Munich. And even the senate would not approve the renovation of a crumbling old pile of stone - thus it was during the times of Your great-grandfather, then they also wanted to reinstate the castle but in the end could only construct a church, and even then not a large one. Even so, the castle is too large to be a museum, and surrounded by such dense forest…” - the treasurer returned the document to the King. Sighing resolutely, the King began, “Of course, we cannot raise taxes - the last thing we need is a popular uprising, but what to do? We cannot allow for my familial nest of origin to grow shrouded in grasses and shrubs! That is the memory of the Wittelsbach dynasty!” All of a sudden the Queen, Teresa, entered the conversation. “Darling!” She had long listened intently and with keen interest to the lively discussion between the two men - “Maybe we do not need to rush! The ruins will not grow any more ruined in our lifetimes, and we, over time, can amass the necessary sum that the renovation demands. And while we lack the money, in the meantime we can simply install some sort of monument upon the ruins, for instance, something in Gothic style, so that it looks complementary to the church.” Ludwig beamed and replied in the affirmative, “Very well. Today I shall rendezvous with Daniel Olmueller and shall order the construction of a new family monument. And furthermore, we shall issue a new Taler - for even if we shan’t get the chance to restore the ruins to their former glory, the monument and the Taler will bear witness to future generations that there once existed a great royal family that lived in a grand castle! Mazel tov!”
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And so be it! On a ruins of the familial castle of Wittelsbach near Aichach in today’s Bavarian Swabia one can still see lonely gothic monument of the Royal Family. In 1929 King Ludwig collected pledges of loyalty from people all around Bavaria and on 25th of August 1832 the foundation for the monument were built. Final opening ceremony happened on August 25, 1834. But what about “Burg Wittilinesbach”? Well, still in ruins.
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1834, Royal Family Monument.
Davenport 572, KM 765(406), Thun 64, AKS 131, J.46.
Commemorative - for the erection of a monument in loyalty to the reigning family.
Obverse: Head of the Ludwig I to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK.
Reverse: DENKMAHL DER ANHAENGLICHKEIT BAYERNS AN SEINEN HERRSCHERSTAMM ERRICHTET ZU OBERWITTELSBACH, Monument, 1834 below.
NGC MS 62.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.
Attractive dark bronze patina, mirror fields, spectacular-looking coin!!
View Coin Davenport 573 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Ludwig I (1825- 1848). Silver TALER 1835 BAVARIA - CUSTOMS UNION 573 PCGS MS 64 Friedrich Boeckh, the Minister of Finance of the Duchy of Baden, looked around the room that was filled with people. He was faced with a difficult task today - to convince the parliamentarians sitting in front of him of the need to reunite with the Zollverein, or the United Germany. The problem of reunification has long hung over the Duchy like the sword of Damocles - neighboring Bavaria, along with Prussia and Wurttemberg, all tightened their tariffs tighter and it seemed like the little Duchy had no choice. But politicians, businessmen, farmers, and nobles held a different opinion - most of them did not want to fall under the dictatorship of the Prussian crown, especially when it came to the political and economic freedom of their native state. There was a tough battle of words and Herr Boeckh was ready to fight to the end - it was always his dream from a very young age, as he argued with his friend Nebenius about the distant time when a strong Germany would revive from difficult post-war years with uniform borders, fair tariffs, a standard currency - all that will provide free trade and a powerful economy. And his native Baden deserved all this - Boeckh remembered how it all began then, in the distant post-Napoleonic 1815-1817 years. The devastation following the war, the decline of the economy - Baden only survived through imports. Wine, tobacco, hemp, hops, and cattle flowed across the borders into nearby lands, providing farmers and traders with at least some form of income. Then, in the 1820s, under pressure from their eternal neighbors/competitors (Bavaria and Wurttemberg), things became worse. The South German Customs Union overlaid them with tariffs, and smuggling began to flourish; smugglers were operating along the entire border passing through the Black Forest, doing a much better job of glorifying this ancient forest throughout Germany than the Grimm Brothers fairy tales. In exchange for contraband, a great wealth of foreign goods flowed into Baden, such as Swiss watches and chocolate, Dutch cheeses, etc - as if its own German produce were not enough! Furthermore, it got worse! Tariffs surrounding the Baden German states finally squeezed the economy's throat - especially after the formation of the Three Customs Unions - thanks to the efforts of King Ludwig I of Bavaria. Then both Ludwig-Bavarian and Ludwig-the Herzog-Baden did not agree; Baden was still in splendid isolation. Old Gross Herzog Ludwig was generally cautious in making decisions, especially when it came to free trade and the territorial issue - he knew that the "Big brother" of Bavaria had long been claiming a piece of the territory of Baden. It got to the point that in May 1828, a secret meeting of the Parliament (in Two Baden Chambers) took place in order to deliver an ultimatum to the Duke - to unite with the Three Customs Unions - and ultimately failed. Even with the involvement of the King of Prussia in 1830, it was useless - Baden could not merge with the Customs Union of Bavaria and Wurttemberg - the territorial claims of Bavaria hindered this and the smuggling through the Black Forest did not diminish. Hard times befell Baden. It got to the point that in May 1831 the Parliament was again gathered for a secret meeting to ask the help of the King of Prussia to take the unfortunate state under its wing. But Frederick Willhelm III already had big plans in mind for Bavaria, for Wurttemberg, and for the rest of Germany. Already born and growing, destroying all borders, was the single Union of German Lands - the Zollverein - the dream of all advanced economists and politicians: a mighty, united Germany! And Baden was again as if beside the point - ongoing smuggling, along with the ambitions of the Duke. It is time to end this! Boeckh glanced around the quiet hall and began his speech: "Brothers! Fellow citizens! Fellow countrymen! Our State is in danger! Once a blooming country, we now perish in isolation! We have lost imports from neighboring German states, we are stifled by tariffs, and we will not be able to survive at the expense of a single smuggling! We have no choice but to reunite with the Zollverein!"
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The Minister of Finance had to spend a lot of effort to convince the advanced public of Baden the need for a Union with German Lands. Politicians did not want to lose state control, traders did not want to lose smuggling profits, and the common people did not want to deal with Prussia and its laws. But there was no longer any choice and in October 1834 the historic meeting of the three states took place in Munich. After years of battle, an agreement on mutual economic boundaries was signed between Bavaria, Wurttemberg, and Baden. The last details were agreed and in May 1835 Baden became part of the Zollverein. This started a new page in the life of the state. As for our Ludwig I of Bavaria, by that time he had already prepared a sketch of the new Commemorative Taler - in memory of the admission of Baden to the Customs Union.
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1835, Baden - Custom Union.
Davenport 573, KM 766(407), Thun 65, AKS 132, J.47.
Commemorative - for the addition of Baden to the German Customs Union.
Obverse: Head of the Ludwig I to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK.
Reverse: BEYTRITT VON BADEN ZUM TEUTSCHEN ZOLLVEREIN 1835, caduceus in sprays.
PCGS MS 64.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.
Attractive golden patina with dark bronze rainbow at the edges, mirror fields, spectacular-looking coin!!
View Coin Davenport 574 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. King Ludwig I (1825-1848). Silver TALER 1835 BAVARIA - MORTGAGE BANK 574 NGC MS 63 As King Ludwig sat in is luxurious office, he looked on grimly to the disheveled stacks of uncountable papers upon his mail desk. “Difficult it is to be a king, for everybody seeks something from you, all await your decisions in strained anticipation, always writing petitions and entreaties of some sort.. they will nail you to your desk and force decision-making straight out of your head.” With a labored exhalation, the King looked on to the Minister’s standing figure before him. This was Ludwig Kraft Ernst, the Minister of the Interior and the Prince of Oettingen-Wallerstein. “Here, Ludwig,” - he began aloud - “look over these petitions again, these documents, for it is again time to make decisions for the good of the realm.. Would you by chance be of assistance to me in sorting out what’s what here?” Upon saying this, King Ludwig leaned back upon his splendid chair in utter exhaustion. “Well of course, Your Highness!” Exclaimed Ludwig Oettingen-Wallerstein as he bowed deeply before the depleted sovereign. “In fact, it is all very simple, for your subjects again entreat you for money! These petitions are, after all, from the Bavarian Peasants’ League,” he said, pointing to the papers aggressively stacked and growling ink upon the King’s table. The King protested, "but they always petition for more money, even from the times of my father! And we always took it upon ourselves to lend them our aid - to our farmers, especially following the Napoleonic War - do you not remember that destruction? Our coffers are not bottomless; we need to figure out how to aid the farmers and to extract some benefit for ourselves, for the government.. To create, for instance, a league of financial assistance, and to attract other wealthy benefactors - for in Bavaria we have plenty of rich folk! Let them help, and lighten the burden upon the shoulders of the Monarch!” With a smile of tremendous respect, Ludwig Oettingen-Wallerstein exclaimed, “Golden words, your Majesty!” With a bow, he offered several documents that he held in his hands. “In fact, I have brought to you the Charter of a new organization - a financial organization, a Bank. If you recollect our past discussions on this matter, I have finally brought to you the refined final copy of this Charter.” The King’s eyes shone as he seized the paperwork and began to scan it with fantastic intent, “Interesting... Mortgage, credit, insurance, bonds - could you please explain some of this unintelligible jargon for me?” The Minister of the Interior stepped in, “it is all very simple, Your Highness! The bank is designed to specialize in the issuing of credit for land purchases - to assist the farmers. It will necessitate sixty percent of the nation’s capital, leaving 40% for other governmental aims - to help industrial development and the building of roads, and to simply lend to Bavarians. We will also help our wealthy compatriots by establishing a fine percentage for their contributions, issuing securities which they later could exchange for money and profit. All benefit and the bank receives profit which then gets divided between stockholders.” “Very interesting!” brightly exclaimed the King, “and I, as the Monarch, could also become a stockholder?” “Of course, your Majesty,” replied the Minister, “you with your accumulated wealth can become the main shareholder! Although, the most important detail to remember is...” After a momentary pause for effect, the Minister continued, “this bank will be a solid establishment under the protection of your Crown. This will give investors tremendous security and they will deliver their money sure-heartedly!” The King brightened considerably to this, crying, “How genial!” He arose, growing to the peak of his height, “A governmental, national and simultaneously wealthy bank for the glory of Bavaria! This incredibly patriotic institution will protect the farmers, artisans and tradesmen against usurpers, helping them to meet their loan-related needs at the bright dawn of revolution in agriculture and industry! This is truly a matter worthy of the King!” And so King Ludwig, bending his luxurious raiments over the desk, left his ornate signature upon the Charter of the new Bank.

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And so it was that by this proclamation the Hypo-Bank was born on the 15th of October 1835. It became known as the “Central Bank of Bavaria” and it was the first bank that had the right to issue paper currency. King Ludwig himself was a primary shareholder, providing 400,000 of the initial capital investment of ten million gulden. The creation of the Hypo-Bank was probably one of the most important actions taken by King Ludwig on behalf of the Bavarian people. It provided long-term financing of industrial loans on a mortgage basis, which indeed helped national industrialization greatly. What’s interesting about the Hypo-Bank is that it was the first bank designated to underwrite insurance, an absolute novelty at the time. The famous German historian Kramer wrote that “it was the most wise and charitable order for the consequences it brought forth. The founding of the Mortgage Bank, becoming the national bank of the Bavarian royalty, became the apex of authentic royal foresight and wisdom.”

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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.
Bavaria, King Ludwig I Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1835, MORTGAGE BANK.
Davenport 574, KM 777 (408), Thun 66, AKS 133, J.48.
Commemorative - for the establishment of the Bavarian Mortgage Bank.
Obverse: Head of the Ludwig I to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK
Reverse: ERRICHTUNG DER BAYERISCHEN HYPOTHEKEN-BANK, female figure leaning on pedestal, 1835 below.
NGC MS 63.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.

Another great example of the "Historic Talers" of Ludwig I of Bavaria - to Commemorate First Mortgage Bank. Slightly toned, clear fields reflect some rubbing marks, more prominent on reverse, otherwise is nice uncirculated specimen. Certified by NGC and graded as MS 63 - great collectible and investment coin!!
View Coin Davenport 575 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria Ludwig I (1825- 1848) Silver TALER 1835 BAVARIA - OTTO MONUMENT 575 PCGS MS 62 A sleepless night had snared the Queen. Her heart became swallowed by fire with the mere thought alone that on the morrow she would be forced to part with her dear child, her dearest little Otto, for a long time or even forever. Casting their gaze from the high window into the vast December darkness of the night, her wet eyes could see nothing and no-one except for the countenance of her beloved son. She perceived the tiny rosy-cheeked smile of his youngest years, his crawling on all fours down the endless corridors of the royal palace, his playfully frantic attempts to evade and escape from his royal servants… and his first lessons at riding on horseback - such a genuine and beautiful young Prince, fair and kind down to his very core.

“For Thou art a kind and loving God! Speed Thy help and fortitude to my dearest Otto!” - soundlessly whispered the lips of the stricken Queen - “For he is yet so young, innocent, and untested to be given reign over an entire sovereign nation! O Greece! Such a unfamiliar faraway land with unfamiliar characters, speaking a unfamiliar language and praying unfamiliar prayers over faded icons of unfamiliar saints in their darkened underground places of unfamiliar worship! How is he to rule over them, to lead them? Who is to aid his hand there, so far from the wisdom of his familial guardians? Only Thee, O Lord!” - and thus she silently continued to weep and pray, pray and weep.

Frigid night shrouded the town of Aibling, the final frigid night to be spent in Bavaria - after which only God would know the whereabouts of her dearly beloved son. The Queen Theresa desired to be together with her son until the final moment - and the final moment had cruelly arrived. For tomorrow her Otto would depart with a cavalry unit into the distant South and she would be left to return to the hollow palace and to spill the sacred tears of an inconsolable and truly loving mother.
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The Prince Otto had left the country of his birth prior even to his own Coming of Age and returned to Germany 30 years hence, a balding failed monarch that fled the throne and lost the crown of a country he adored - only to die in Bavaria, the land of his mother, who did not see her son triumph as he had in her dreams. Up to that moment, the efforts of the inhabitants of Aibling with the help of King Ludwig had produced a proud monument to Theresa the Mother, who had lost her son to another land for ever. The first stone of the foundation was placed into the ground on the fifteenth of October on the birthday of King Ludwig, and on the first of June 1835 - Otto’s twentieth birthday and the commencement of his rule as monarch of Greece - the magnificent monument was complete. With sharp edges and contours and in Gothic styling, it gloriously personified the bottomless depth of a mother’s enduring love. Etched in gold upon the plaque were the immortal words: 
“Theresa the Queen of Bavaria wept bitter tears  in parting with her beloved son Otto. O how she would rather they had been tears of joy! 
"Otto, second son of Ludwig I of Bavaria, here shattered the heart of his mother that he may be King and savior of Greece.”
“Inhabitants of the land of Rosenheim, and sympathetic women from all over Bavaria have here immortalized the sacrificial love of the Queen-Mother"
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In the present day, if one were to visit the moderately-sized town of Bad-Aibling and to stroll along the river shore, smelling the fragrant aroma of spring flowers - one would come across a beautiful Gothic monument from which gazes a forlorn woman, pressing to her bosom a young child. Either this is the Birthgiver of God Mary Herself holding the infant Jesus, or it is the melancholy Theresa clutching at young Otto her babe — regardless, this is a monument to all mothers and their eternal love towards their children, the beauty and majesty of which is like nothing else on Earth! 
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1835, OTTO MONUMENT .
Davenport 575, KM 778 (409), Thun 67, AKS 134, J.49.
Commemorative - for the separation of the Queen Therese from Her son, King Otto of Greece.
Obverse: Head of the Ludwig I to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK
Reverse: DENKM. DER TRENNUNG DER KOEN. THERESE VON IHREM SOHNE DEM KOEN. OTTO, ERRICHTET BEI AIBLING VON BAYERISCHEN FRAUEN, Monument 1835 below.
PCGS MS 62.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.
Clear mirror fields, patchy patina, touch of rainbow toning - uncirculated and attractive coin.
View Coin Davenport 576 GERMANY - STATES - 2 Germany, Bavaria. Ludwig I (1825-1848). Silver TALER 1835 BAVARIA - FIRST RAILWAY 576 NGC MS 63 .....The locomotive “Eagle” sent out a piercing blast on its horn to signal its commencement, causing the platform to shake; this so startled King Ludwig of Bavaria he reflexively grabbed the handrail in surprise. Instantly composing himself, he shot a glance at the surrounding crowd - it is unbecoming of a King to show surprise and vulnerability in public. Fortunately, the surrounding noise and commotion quickly masked his embarrassment. Slowly, the train heaved and began to pick up speed; trees would lazily swim across the windows, as did the dainty houses upon the lakeshore. Again the train let out a bright horn blast, shrouding the passengers in a haze of steam mixed with smoke from the coal-burner engine. Within his heart, Ludwig nurtured a peculiar feeling at this moment. It was a elegant blend of fear and worry with bubbling elation. Praise the English! For they had conceived the iron horse, an intimidating machine capable of moving itself along with passengers and freight. Ludwig looked over to the stern profile of the conductor, Mr. Wilson, whose gazed fixedly at a great distance and clutched expertly at the train’s control lever mechanisms. The sight of man and machine so enthralled the King that for a moment, he became unable to tell apart where the machine ends and the man begins… it truly was an otherworldly sight. “Man and the machine - there truly is something divine within this image, like the ancient chimeras…” His wandering thoughts carried him into the distance accompanied by the rhythmic clapping of the great metal wheels upon the track. “And in the end who knows, perhaps it is not such a bad idea… railroads… it’s an expensive luxury and one won’t haul all that much. For the metal beast eats a great amount of coal, which must then be delivered on horseback from as far as Ruhr… but for the time being, I will make it work.” He still believed the better method to transport goods is by water, across the Ludwig Canal… but experiencing the might of the iron horse gave the King certain doubts. The hardworking “Eagle” train billowed its white smoke into the air and slowly with sure speed pulled its two cars up the grade of a mountain. “And in the end,” thought the King, “without my protection this railroad would not have been constructed in a long time, and I even permitted the use of my name in its naming - ‘the Ludwig South-North Railway’!” He remembered how in the far-off years of the 20s, inspired by the idea of building a self-propelled machine, he sent the young engineer Joseph von Baader to England to study the science of railways. He also recalled how in 1825 the new Parliament spent time discussing the construction project, ending in the authorized building of an experimental railway, the short Nuremburg-Furth Road. He had to pay in addition some 50,000 Guldens out of the treasury because the 132,000 Guilders amassed by George Zachariah Platner were not enough. Again Ludwig gazed through his window - the tracks had banked under the mountain and the locomotive began to pick up speed. Somewhere within, Ludwig sensed a deep enjoyment and thrill towards the act of motion, the machine smell in the air, and the metallic rhythms from the wheels upon the track filling the air with a wonderful resonance. The lovely romanticism of the railroad had gripped the heart of King Ludwig fiercely. “There! It is decided,” he thought, “that tomorrow I will purchase several shares of the Railway Company, for a bright future lies in the nation’s railroads. And just as well, I must order a new Taler to celebrate this wonder of human ingenuity!” Upon resolving his mind through this thought, he lowered the back of his seat and continued to gaze outward at the rolling pastures of beautiful Germany.

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The first railroad in Germany was opened on the seventh of December 1835. It was 6 km in length and joined together the towns of Nuremberg and Furth. Stephenson’s Company in England had built the steam locomotive “Adler” (Eagle) and delivered it to Bavaria along with Mr. Wilson, its conductor. The conductor’s salary at that time was 1500 Guilders per year - this was more than the salary of the Company’s Director. The engine within the train had a horsepower rating of 10 and could move at a speed of 18 kilometers per hour. It had the ability to make 6-7 trips a day. The Nuremberg-Furth trip took approximately 25 minutes by horse-and-carriage and about 15 minutes by train. The price for a ticket was 12 kreuzers. With time, the freight traffic had grown from the transportation of beer and newspapers to general freight and mail in 1840. This resulted in unbelievable profits, although strong competition from horse-powered cars eventually caused business to decline. Ludwigbahn was eventually closed in 1922, and in 1938, the original Furth station was torn down by the Nazi regime to build a square for parades. In the present day, this original road is again open, and the contemporary super-locomotives of the Nuremberg U-Bahn fly according to the old route, as it was 150 years ago when King Ludwig stepped upon the platform for the first time and beheld the newest wonder of the industrial age - the iron horse upon its parallel track.

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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport.

Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).

Taler 1835, FIRST RAILWAY .

Davenport 576, KM 779 (410), Thun 68, AKS 135, J.50.

Commemorative - for the opening first steam railway in Germany.

Obverse: Head of the Ludwig I to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK

Reverse: ERSTE EISENBAHN IN TEUTSCHLAND MIT DAMPFWAGEN VON NÜRNBERG NACH FURTH, female figure, ERBAUT and 1835 below.

NGC MS 63+.

28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.

This is another example of the "Historical Talers" of King Ludwig I of Bavaria - to Commemorate the opening of the first steam railway in Germany. This is another high-quality collectible -MS 63+ tier per NGC is well-deserved for this gorgeous coin with clear uncirculated fields, amazing sharp detail of the design and satin luster through the surfaces. Touch of toning gives extra appealing look. Great collectible and investment item!
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