Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 8/14/2009

Question
I have a coin with FRIEDR WILHELM III KOENIG VON PREUSSEN on the front facing left with EIN THALER on the back dated 1817 A. With a bird and possibly a cannon with flags and ship sails. Do you know value and other info on this coin? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Victor,
This Thaler is the silver dollar equivalent for the German State of Prussia. The design is indeed a bird with cannon and draped flags. German states coins are popular among collectors because there are many states and types to collect.
Your coin should weight right around 22 grams and is made of .750 purity silver. Being one of the largest states Prussian thalers are generally not the most valuable, however choice examples command a premium regardless. As far as the current market is concerned a decent circulated example with moderate wear starts at $20-$30, going up to $100+ for a sharp, high grade coin and as high as $250-$500 for an uncirculated coin (depending on whether it's been professionally graded and with what grade).
It's also worth noting that there is another variety for this date with the words FR. WILH. instead of FRIEDR. WILHELM. It would be great if you had that one, since the value is 10x that of your coin.
Thanks for the question and best of luck with your coin! =)