The name given to both gold and silver coins and implying the product of a local mine. The earliest speci- men is probably the Saxon Ausbeutethaler of St. Katharinenberg, dated 1505.

The various Dukes of Brunswick resorted to this practice extensively, and it was common in other German states as well as in France, Scandinavia, etc.

The Ausbeutethaler frequently bear views of the mines or allusions to the place of striking. In many cases they have dis- tinctive mottoes, e.g., DAS LAND DIE FRUCHTE BRINGT., etc. The Isargold Dukaten and the Rheingold Dukaten struck from the product of washings in these rivers are also classed with the Ausbeutemunzen.

A third variety are such pieces as bear a motto invoking a blessing on the mining operations. These are known as Bergse- gensthaler and occur for Mansfeld, the Harz Mountains, etc.