Antique French sterling silver wine taster sommelier cup, tastevin. Inset at the base with a 1765 Austrian Netherlands Maria Theresa kronenthaler coin. The obverse of the coin can be seen from the bottom of the tastevin surrounded by the typical pattern of "perles", concave "cupules" and elongated "godrons" designed to create reflections in the wine to better judge its color and clarity. Coiled snake handle is a nod to Dionysus, the God of Wine. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, in use from 1838, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her denoting a silver content of .950/1000 (95% silver and higher than the standard .925 for sterling silver). Bearing a maker's mark. Measures 4 3/8" length x 3 3/8" wide x 1 1/8" height. Weighs 117g. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with use and age.