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German States Stolberg-Wernigerode 1710-IIG 2 Thaler Dav-2789 or Dav-LS489, PCGS MS61. Image courtesy of PCGS. Click image to enlarge.

For PCGS, June of 2024 saw a second return to the Paris office for the second onsite grading event since the Covid-19 shutdown. An incredible number of wonderful coins were certified at the event with dozens of standout pieces. Some of the highlights included a gold coin from Mexico being one of two examples known, a set of $20 gold pieces from the United States, some standout thalers, and additional gold pieces. However, one piece stood out as a coin I would love to have added to my personal collection, a 1710 Death Thaler.

A “death thaler” is a term given to a coin struck in commemoration of a death of an important person of nobility or royalty. The death thaler featured here is from the German States of Stolberg-Wernigerode, which is located in the Harz region, now part of Saxony-Anhalt. The coin, a two thaler, was made to commemorate the death of Ernest, the Count of Stolberg-Ilsenburg who died on November 9, 1710, in Ilsenburg.

One side of the thaler contains text in Latin, which roughly translates to “Dedicated to the memory of Count Ernest of Stolberg, Konigstein, Rochefort, Wernigerode and Hohnstein, Lord of Eppstein, Minzenberg, Breuberg, Agimont, Lohra, and Klettenberg. He was born in Ilsenburg on March 25, 1650, came to power in 1672, and from his marriage to Sophia Dorothea, Countess of Schwarzburg and Honstein in the same year, became the father of four children, three of whom had already died, and died in Ilsenburg on November 9, 1710.” It is with this, his list of accomplishments and death, that this is referred to as a death thaler. After his death, his will left 1,000 thalers to a charitable trust fund that was known as the Greizer Bequest which would support the poor and those in need in the County of Wernigerode until 1931.

The other side of the coin showcases a design unique to this coin, yet features the common element of many Stolberg coinage: a stag. The House of Stolberg arms feature that of a stag, hence this would be an icon used on much of the coinage. The use of the stag was a symbol often associated with nobility, peace, and harmony, hence a reason why the House of Stolberg likely chose the animal to reflect the status and virtues of the family. Regionally it was also a symbol of significance as stags were often common to forests of the areas controlled by the Stolberg family, such as in the Harz Mountains.

However, unlike other Stolberg coinage which often just features a stag, this coin features a stag on the bank of a river looking like it has just emerged; above that device, a Latin inscription reads “SALVTIS RIPAM TENEO” or “I keep the bank safe.” In the background atop a mountain is Wernigerode Castle, a monument that still stands today. It was in 1710 when the seat of government was moved back to Wernigerode by his successor Christian Ernest of Stolberg-Wernigerode.

This coin, which was graded at the PCGS office in Paris, was certified as genuine and received the grade of MS61. It is now protected and housed in an oversized PCGS holder to accommodate the coin’s size. The coin had just sold earlier in April of 2024, where it realized 13,000€ ($14,450USD) without buyer’s premium, in a Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger Auction. With its wonderful design and history, the coin is definitely a highlight of any collection.