Sale: Triton XI, Lot: 1296. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Monday, 7 January 2008.  Sold For $600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

AUSTRIA, Salzburg. Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. Archbishop, 1587-1612. AR Halbturmtaler Klippe (14.37 g, 12h). Undated issue. SANCTVS • RVDBE RTVS • EPS • SALISBV:, St. Rudbert, wearing episcopal regalia, seated facing, slightly left, holding salt cellar and crozier; episcopal coat-of-arms before / IN • DNO • SPERANS • NON • INFIRMABOR, three-tiered tower set in waves and surmounted by cross, buffeted by winds at sides and hail and rain from storm clouds above. Bernhart & Roll 1572; Probszt 810. Good VF, attractive gray toning.

Saint Rupert, Salzburg’s patron saint, is featured on many coins issued by the city’s ecclesiastical rulers. Salzburg was built on the site of an ancient Celtic (and later, Roman) settlement. Rupert is believed to have founded the modern town around 700. He is commonly depicted holding a saltcellar, symbolic of the city’s valuable salt mines, which inspired the city’s modern name.