Germany Brandenburg 1/12 Thaler 1679 to 1688

This is a doppelgroschen, or 12 einen reichs thaler, or 1/12 thaler, or 1/12 taler from the German State of Brandenburg. As old as these coins are, you would think they would be very valuable. They carry decent value, but only when in top-notch shape.

The catalogs assign values like this for all dates in the series:

worn: $15 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $75
well preserved: $150

Be sure to read our Important Terminology page to understand how catalog values work.

The coin in our main picture (upper left) comes from Westfalische Auktions gesellschaft in Arnsberg, Germany where it sold for 155 euros (about $175 USD) during a 2007 auction. Today it would probably sell for $200 or more. CoinQuest thanks Westfalische for use of their coin photo.

Precise grading of coins like these is very subjective. Eye appeal is the most important factor. For comparison, consider the three coins to the right, marked (A), (B), and (C).

The (A) coin is the Westfalische specimen (about $200). The pattern is clear and crisp with no problems and great eye appeal. This is not the case with the (B) coin. It has much lower appeal and the stain really knocks the price down. The (B) coin is a $30 item. Even worse, the (C) coin with its heavy wear and mutilation is a $10 coin.

These (A), (B), (C) estimates are retail prices, something a collector would pay to buy the coin. If you have one for sale, figure a coin dealer would offer you about one-half the retail prices.
cqLastNotify