Triton XIV, Lot: 1324. Estimate $500. Sold for $850. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GERMANY, Hessen-Kassel. Wilhelm V. Landgrave, 1627-1637. AR Taler (44mm, 28.45 g, 6h). Dated 1628. WILHELM • D • G • LAND • HASS • ADMI • HIRS • C • C • D • Z • E • N •, coat of arms surmounted by three helmets / DEO • VOLENTE • HUMILIs • LEVAROR • ANNO • 1628, willow tree being buffeted by storm and struck by lightning from the clouds; above, sun inscribed “Jehovah” in Hebrew. Schütz 744; Davenport 6736. Good VF, toned.

From the HLT Collection.

The scene of the willow tree being blown by a storm and struck by lightning is very common on the talers of Hessen-Kassel struck during the period of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). The depiction of the storm is an allegorical image intended to highlight the effect of war on Hessen-Kassel. During the Thirty Years’ War, countless militias swept through the territory, ravaging the countryside and killing a large proportion of the population. In the upper right of the scene is a shining sun representing Jehovah, perhaps a reminder of God’s presence and a hope that sunny days are ahead.