A very nice 2/3 thaler of Augustus II the Strong, commonly known as the “Coselgulden.”
These gulden coins were minted between 1705 and 1707, and according to legend, the combination of shields topped with a central dot was meant to allude to Countess Cosel’s private parts. Although King Augustus did dedicate a series of coins featuring butterflies to her, the theory that he ordered the gulden to be struck with such an “image” as a result of a bet should be considered a myth, and the dot should be regarded as a mark left by a compass used to mark the rim. The only real connection between these coins and Anna Constance is the fact that a hoard of them was found in her armchair at Stolpen Castle, where she was imprisoned.
A very nice specimen. The coin shows signs of old wear but also features a beautifully preserved relief, especially for such a rare issue.
