1 Abril 2018 - Greetings Coin Collectors, where-ever you might be! Heron is really pleased to report the acquisition of a really neat coin [most of them are ey?]. This coin #362 was another 'accidental' find. Heron was perusing the listings on eBay under the category German States. There were about 980 'listings' of German States Coins that day. Towards the end of the list, one of the items was a name not familiar to Heron. It was Gluckstadt 1666. This was interesting because Heron immediately recognized the meaning; Lucky City or Luck City. Heron had never heard of a coin issued by a Luck City, Germany.
So, a couple of hours of researching the city name and the coin itself revealed the answer. This coin was issued for Gluckstadt DANISH Schleswig-Holstein in 1666. Heron was aware that Schleswig-Holstein did not become Prussian until 1864. At the end of the 2nd Danemark-Prussian war. [Surprisingly, Prussia lost the 1st Danemark-Prussian war!]. After researching this 1666 item, Heron used the 'Buy it Now' feature on the eBay venue.
The Coin: Gluckstadt - 1/16 Thaler - Silver - 19mm dia.
Obverse: At center is portrait of Frederic 3.
Legend: FRIDERIC 3. DG. DANVG. REX.
Note: Name spelling is Danemark/Latin version.
Reverse: XVI
EREIC
HS THA
1666.
Note: As you can see, the design is a bit 'strange'. This reads XVI
EREICHS THA. Danish for 1/16 REICHS THALER.
Reverse Legend: MONETA NOVA GLVCKSTAD.
A Short History of Gluckstad:
1617 - Gluckstad founded from 'scratch' by Christian IV, King of Danemark
and Duke of Holstein. Per research, this area was originally a swampy mess.
1649 - Area became a Duchy named Holstein-Gluckstad Duchy.
1864 - Schleswig und Holstein became part of Prussia.
Some Notes:
In Danish the name of city is pronounced Lykstad. It is possible to see how the English woid Luck was formed from the Danish Lyk.
Gluckstad was built on marshlands alongside the Elbe River.
The word Gluckstadt is Luck City or Fortune City.
Settlers were given a Royal Tax Exemption. The town quickly became an important trade center.
Duchy of Holstein was member of Holy Roman Empire 1474 to 1806.
Duchy of Holstein was the northernmost Holy Roman Empire 'state'.
Statholder Friedrich von Ahlefeldt, Count of Langeland 1663 - 1685 was
'local' ruler. He was appointed by the King of Danemark.
Finding this coin was pure Gluckstreffer!
Info Sources, by popular demand:
Duchy of Holstein - enwikit.
Googly Gluckstadt Coat of Arms.
Gluckstad - Encyclopedia Britannica.
Googly Coin Images - 1/16 Thaler of Gluckstad.
History of Gluckstadt - enwikit.
History of Schleswig-Holstein - Encyclopedia Britannica.
Map Jutland Peninsula - wikit.
eBay coins Denmark.
Muenzenhandlungbrom.
**Yes, another 'lucky find' by accident. Searching through hundreds and hundreds of 'Germanian' listings to 'find' one small treasure for the small accumulation is time consuming but very rewarding. This item was NOT on the old 'want list'. However, it is now Nr 362 issuing entity of the Europa Central & Oest accumulation. This makes el Heron a very happy bird! Collecting world coins can be very rewarding. There is always something to 'find' and acquire. This makes an Alt Geezer collector extremely happy! **
