Thaler

A silver coin of Germany. The composition and value of this piece formerly varied considerably in different portions of the country, — the value ranging from ninety-five to- one hundred and five cents. But the convention of the German states in 1838 fixed the weight of the thaler at 343.8 grains troy, and the fineness at 750 thousandths, which is the only standard now in use. The value, at this rate, is seventy-two cents. The name (thaler) is supposed to have originated from the Gerof Joachim, from which it obtained the name of "Joachim's thaler." From this coin the word "dollar," as applied to Spanish and American coins, is derived.