GERMAN STATES, HESSE-CASSEL, FRIEDRICH II (1760 - 1785), 1778-BR THALER.

GERMAN STATES, HESSE-CASSEL, FRIEDRICH II (1760 - 1785), 1778-BR THALER.

Obv: Head of Friedrich II facing right. Rev: Coat of arms within star. KM. 516. Good Fine.

This coin is known as a Sterntaler. Sterntalers were used as compensation for families who lost sons in the American War of Independence. This historical context likely influenced the Grimm brothers' fairy tale, 'The Star Talers'. Frederick II earned substantial profits by leasing soldiers to the British, giving Sterntalers the somber nickname 'Blood Dollar' among American collectors.