Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 9/7/2010

Question
I have a German coin dated 1771.  One side is head with Fridericus Borussorum Rex, other side number 3 at the top then Einen Reichs Thaler, 1771, A.  I would appreciate the history and value.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Susan,
This is a silver one-third of a thaler (which is the European equivalent of a silver dollar) from the German state of Prussia. Rather than using quarters and halves, they preferred a system of 1/24, 1/12, 1/6. 1/3, 2/3 and 1 thaler.
Despite the age they are fairly common, although coins in excellent condition are tough to find.
SInce I have not seen a picture of the coin, I can only give you a relative range of values. This would start at around $5 for a well used coin or one that has slight damage. One with moderate, but not strong wear is worth $15 to $25 (depending if it's on the US or European markets). Such a coin with only minimal wear has a value of $50 to $75.
Had it been a US coin from the same time, it surely would have been worth significantly more. Such are the foreign coin markets.
Thanks for the question! =)