1620 Montfort Hugo XIII & Johann VII Taler leads Heritage’s German States World Coins Showcase Auction to $517,276

Heritage Auctions’ May 26 Spotlight: German States World Coins Showcase Auction realized $517,276, led by exceptional collector demand for rare German States talers, historic Frankfurt issues and coveted German colonial gold coinage.

The top-performing offerings included a remarkable Montfort taler, a highly desirable German East Africa gold 15 Rupien and an array of visually striking Frankfurt and Habsburg issues.

The top lot of the sale was a Montfort Hugo XIII & Johann VII Taler 1620 graded MS61 by NGC, which realized $14,640. It is the first Mint State example of the type ever offered by Heritage Auctions, and a record for this type.

Among the sale’s standout highlights was a German East Africa gold 15 Rupien 1916-T graded MS62 by PCGS from the Tabora mint, which achieved $7,930. Cataloged as KM16.1, J-728b and Fr-1, and represents the only gold issue struck for German East Africa remaining one of the most sought-after German colonial coins. It was produced during World War I after the German Empire established a mint in Tabora to support colonial trade amid a British blockade.

Strong prices continued with a Maria Theresia gold 2 Ducat 1765-KB graded MS62 by NGC from the Kremnitz mint, that sold for $6,405, as well as a visually captivating Frankfurt Free City 2 Taler (3-1/2 Gulden) 1840 graded MS63 by PCGS which ranked among the auction’s top lots at $6,100.

A Frankfurt Free City Proof 2 Taler 1866 graded PR62 by PCGS brought $5,368. Representing the final year of the type, the proof issue featured the celebrated “FREIE STADT FRANKFURT” design with a laureate bust and the denomination inscription “ZWEI VEREINSTHALER. XV EIN PFUND FEIN.”

Complete results can be found at HA.com/61634.