(sold for $95.0)

1678, Saxony-Anhalt-Zerbst. Charles William. Large Silver 2/3 Thaler Coin. XF!

Mint Year: 1678 Mint Place: Zerbst Denomination: 2/3 Thaler Condition: A nice XF for type! Reference: Davenport 202, KM-19.6 (listed under Anhalt-Zerbst). Weight: 16.12gm Diameter: 38mm Material: Silver

Obverse: Armored and draped bust of Charles William right. Legend: CAR - WILH . D . G . PR . A . C . A. D . S . B . I . E . K .   Reverse: Crowned 12-fold  coat-of-arms of (Saxony-)Anhalt-Zerbst, splitting date (17-78) and mint-master´s initials (C-P). Value (2/3) below in oval frame below. Legend: MON : NOVA ARG . (2/3) PR . A . L . S . D . I . E . K .

Anhalt-Zerbst was a principality located in Germany. It was created for the first time in 1252 following the partition of the principality of Anhalt. The capital of the state was located at Zerbst. Anhalt-Zerbst ceased to exist in 1396 when it was partitioned between Anhalt-Dessau and Anhalt-Köthen. It was recreated in 1544 when Anhalt-Dessau was partitioned. The second incarnation lost a lot of territory in 1603 when it was partitioned for a second time with some of its territory being given to Anhalt-Dessau, Anhalt-Bernburg, Anhalt-Plötzkau and Anhalt-Köthen. Anhalt-Zerbst lost more of its territory in 1667 with Anhalt-Mühlingen and Anhalt-Dornburg being created. In 1796 Principality of Anhalt-Zerbst came to an end with its territory being annexed by Anhalt-Dessau.

Charles William, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst (16 October 1652, in Zerbst – 3 November 1718, in Zerbst), was a German prince of the House of Ascania and ruler of the principality of Anhalt-Zerbst. He was the third (but eldest surviving) son of John VI, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, and Sophie Auguste, daughter of Frederick III, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp. His two older brothers died before his birth. Karl William succeeded his father in Anhalt-Zerbst in 1667 at the age   of fifteen years. During his minority, which lasted until 1674, his   mother, the Dowager Princess Sophie Auguste, acted as regent. He ordered the building of Zerbst Castle (which was made his official residence) and the St. Trinitatis Church of Zerbst, which were both inaugurated in 1696. Also, he lived many years in Jever.