Austrian 1600 Double Thaler

This Austrian double thaler from 1600 was struck on a planchet weighing over 60 grams of silver, making it one of the largest circulating coins of its era. That bulk wasn't just for show; it reflected the Habsburgs' need to flaunt economic might amid ongoing wars and inflation.

We know it was minted under Emperor Rudolf II, whose portrait dominates the obverse, but the reverse design—probably depicting imperial eagles or coats of arms—varies by die, and records don't specify which. Mintage numbers? Gone, likely destroyed in the 1848 revolutions that scattered imperial archives. Some speculate it used silver from Bohemian mines, but that's unconfirmed.

If you handle one, note the crude edge; these weren't polished for perfection. As for myths about their rarity, let's just say I've seen more fakes than genuine pieces in thirty years.