Owner Comments:
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.