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deleted
192 Posts |
 Posted - 02/03/2008 : 19:43:30
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I'm considering buying some
Maria Theresia Taler
"dollars"
I wonder if it is a good idea.
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"The thaler is 39.5 mm in diameter and 2.5mm thick, weighs 28.0668 grams and contains 23.3890 grams (0.752 troy ounces) of fine silver. It has a millesimal fineness of .833.
The Maria Theresa thaler (MTT) is a silver bullion-coin that has been used in world trade continuously since it was first minted as a thaler in 1741. It was named after Empress Maria Theresa, who ruled Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia from 1740 to 1780.
Since 1780, the coin has always been dated 1780 and has been struck by the following mints: Birmingham, Bombay, Brussels, London, Paris, Rome and Utrecht, in addition to the Habsburg mints in Hall, Günzburg, Kremnica, Karlsburg, Milan, Prague and Vienna. Between 1751 and 2000, some 389 million were minted. These different mints distinguished their printings by slight alterations to the saltire, or "flower" symbol, which looks like an "X" at the top left of the reverse side of the coin. In 1946, the Vienna Mint rescinded any rights of foreign governments to issue such copies; subsequently, the Vienna Mint has produced over 49 million MTTs.
It was one of the first coins used in the United States and probably contributed (along with the Spanish eight-bit dollar) to the choice of a dollar as the main unit of currency for the United States.
Any comments are appreciated.
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The market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent.
John Maynard Keynes,
English economist (1883 - 1946)
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fiatboy
Administrator
912 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 20:40:38
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These coins have been overlooked over the past few decades, and I'd like to see them make a comeback---which I think they will!
I say get some. Infact, your mentioning them makes me want to get some.
The MTT only has a fineness of .833, so it's not the finest silver on the block, but it makes boring-old bullion a little more interesting.
Outside of the U.S., the MTT is far more recognized---kind of like gold fractionals.
"Between 1751 and 2000, some 389 million were minted." I had no idea!
Don't expect your MTT's to be as recognized as silver Eagles or Maples, but as a long-term silver play, I think they're a great way to hold silver. |
"Bart, it's not about how many stocks you have, it's about how much copper wire you can get out of the building." --- Homer Simpson |
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Cody8404
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
602 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 03:18:36
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I have a few. I see them as a great international form of silver. I think they are worth it.
Remember these are still being produced, don't pay for them as older coins. As a general rule these are selling for just a little over the price of US silver dollars.
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Awake, O kings of the earth! Come ye, O, come ye, with your gold and your silver, to the help of my people, to the house of the daughters of Zion, to the help of the people of the God of this Land even Jesus Christ. |
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Know Common Cents
Penny Pincher Member
195 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 10:14:38
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| These are generally sold pretty close to spot silver plus a few cents. Since all carry the 1780 date regardless of when they were struck over the past 200+ years, they're fun to own. I've never seen a well circulated example of a MTT. |
Here in Wisconsin, we have some of the highest property and gasoline taxes in the US. We're squeezed so much, I have to make my daughter wear penny boxes for shoes. At least she has an endless supply. |
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Frugi
Administrator
USA
627 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 11:18:18
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These Maria Theresa Thalers have continually won awards for the most beautiful coin ever.
They can always be sold for $$ to someone who see's the 1780 date and think's they are that old.
But, for a SHTF scenario or investment purpose I have never been able to sell them as bullion and make money; too few dealers are unaware of their actual silver content and are not willing to pay much.
I would stay away from these for investment or SHTF, but they are pretty coins. |
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n/a
deleted
192 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 12:52:59
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Thank you ALL for your feedback.
I'm going to go ahead and buy a few (five or less) just to have for educational purposes.
I own a few paper dollar silver certificates for this reson also.
When the time comes to discuss money with my daughter (she's onlyfour years old now) I will have an assortment of coins and bills to use in the discussion.
None of you recommended investing heavily in these and I am taking you advice on that.
Thanks again to all who answered my question! |
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The market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent.
John Maynard Keynes,
English economist (1883 - 1946)
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Maria Theresia Thaler
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