Sale: CNG 81, Lot: 1267. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2009.  Sold For $1600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GERMANY, Bayern. Albrecht V. 1550-1579. Æ Medal (124mm, 545.60 g, 12h). Commemorating the Suppression of Protestantism in Bavaria. Hans Æsslinger, engraver. Dated 1558. Bare-headed, draped, and armored half-length bust right / PARCERE SVBIECTIS ET DEBELLARE SVPERBOS 1558, two lions: one lion bringing down bull, other sparing lamb; behind, cityscape; above, crowned and winged female figure on clouds, holding wreaths in outstretched hands. Habich 3176; Wittelsbach 388. Good VF, brown patina. An early aftercast.

This reverse legend of this medal derives from Virgil’s Aeneid 6.853, in which Anchises reveals to Aeneas in the Underworld the mission of the ancient Romans. Here, however, it is the Roman Church and its adherents who are to assume that mission against the rising Protestant movement.