Triton XIV, Lot: 1345. Estimate $500. Sold for $950. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GERMANY, Sachsen-Albertinische Linie. Johann Georg IV. Elector, 1691-1694. AR Taler Klippe (53mm, 23.10 g, 12h). Commemorating the election of Johann Georg IV into the Order of the Garter. Dresden mint. Dated 1693. JG 4 monogram inside garter band inscribed with legend HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE •;16 93 • below band, coats of arms in four corners / DIS : MALE : CERPENDUS QUI MALE SENTIT ERIT •, crowned wreath with crossed swords; 1 THAL in cartouche below, coats of arms in four corners. Clauss & Kahnt 692; Schnee 977; Davenport 7649. EF, lightly toned.

From the HLT Collection.

This klippe commemorates the election of Johann Georg IV into the Order of the Garter, an exclusive society of knights founded around 1348 by Edward III of England. The motto surrounding the monogram on the obverse, HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE, can be loosely translated as “Shame on him who thinks ill of it.” The precise details surrounding the origin of the order are not known, but several myths attempt to explain it. All of these legends involve a garter band, which has become a symbol of the society. This garter, inscribed with the order’s motto, is still worn by members during official ceremonies.