400th Anniversary of the Reformation

Sale: Triton XI, Lot: 1445. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Monday, 7 January 2008.  Sold For $200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GERMANY, Gedenkmedaille (commemorative medal). Nürnberg. AR Taler Medal (43mm, 28.18 g, 12h). Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of the Reformation in Nürnberg. From the workshop of L. Christian Lauer. Dated 1925. Bust of Lazarus Spengler right / Detailed city view of Nürnberg from the East. “249” punched into edge at 12h. Erlanger 939; Leu, Erlanger 1531. EF, toned, proof surfaces. Mintage of 250.

Lazarus Spengler, born 13 March 1479, was an early adherent of Martin Luther’s religious movement. As an influential member of Nürnberg’s city council, Spengler began promoting Luther’s religious philosophy in the town. With his leadership, the city accepted the Reformation in March 1525. This 1925 medal, numbered 249, commemorates Lazarus Spengler and his role in bringing the Reformation to Nürnberg.