(sold for $561.0)

1888, Empress Maria Theresa. Austrian Numismatic Society. Silver Thaler Medal.
Struck in the appearance of a Thaler. Mintage: 250 pcs!

Mint Year: 1888
Mint Place: Vienna
Mintage: Only 250 pcs!
Reference: Hauser 2417, KM-. RR!
Medallist: A. Scharff (after M. Donner)
Denomination: Austrian Numismatic Society Medal - inauguration of the Monument of Maria Theresa in 1888!
Condition: Magnificent proof-like uncirculated with attractive toning!
Weight: 28gm (full thaler weight!)
Material: Silver (.900)
Diameter: 41mm

Obverse: Draped and diademed bust of Maria Theresa right. Medallist's signature ("A. Scharff after M. Donner") below.
Legend: M . THERESIA - AVGVSTA / A. SCHARFF NACH M. DONNER

Reverse: Star above inscription in three lines and palm-sprays in saltire. All within baroque foliage. Date (8th May 1888) in roman letters below.
Legend: HOCC . NVMO . PIE . COLIT . SOCIETAS . NVMISMATICA . VINDOBONENSIS *
Inner Legend: XIII . MAII . MDCCCLXXXVIII ("8th May 1888")

For your consideration a striking specimen of the probably most beautiful thaler-like medals of Empress Maria Theresa. This rare medal was issued in a very low number of only 250 pieces for the inauguration of the monument for the beloved Empress 108 years after her passing. The thaler weight and appearance is not random as the comissioner of this medal was the Austrian Numismatic Society. A very rare and beautiful specimen!

Maria Theresa (German: Maria Theresia, see also names in other languages; May 13, 1717 – November 29, 1780) was the Archduchess regnant of Austria, Queen regnant of Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia, and a Holy Roman Empress by marriage.

Maria Theresa helped initiate financial and educational reforms, promoted commerce and the development of agriculture, and reorganized the army, all of which strengthened Austria's resources. Continued conflict with the Kingdom of Prussia led to the Seven Years' War and later to the War of the Bavarian Succession. She became dowager empress after the death of her husband Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor and accession of her son Joseph as emperor in 1765.

Maria Theresa criticised many of Joseph's actions but agreed to the First Partition of Poland (1772). A key figure in the power politics of 18th century Europe, Maria Theresa brought unity to the Habsburg Monarchy and was considered one of its most capable rulers. Her 16 children also included Marie Antoinette, queen consort of France, and Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor.