Triton XIV, Lot: 1357. Estimate $500. Sold for $950. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GERMANY, Sachsen-Ernestinische Linie. Johann Friedrich I. Duke (restored), 1552-1554. AR Taler (40mm, 28.42 g, 9h). Saalfeld mint. Dated 1552. * IO : FRIDER • SENI * NATV • ELEC • SAX, bust left; two coats of arms in exergue / CAROL • V • RO : IMP • SEMP • AVGVST • 1552 •, crowned double eagle with globus cruciger on breast. Schnee 144; Davenport 9748. Near VF, toned, graffiti in fields. Rare.

From the HLT Collection.

Johann Friedrich, the Protestant elector of Saxony, was an important figure in the religious wars of the 16th century. Not only was he a personal friend of Martin Luther, but the elector also made sweeping reforms in his lands in support of the Protestant cause. In 1546, Joahnn Friedrich became embroiled in the Schmalkaldic War against Catholic Holy Roman Emperor Karl V. For the elector, the outcome was not good: he was defeated by Karl V at the Battle of Mühlberg in 1547 and imprisoned. When his cousin Maurice attacked Karl V in 1552, he was released and restored to power as a duke of Saxony. This coin was struck in the year of his release, just two years before his death.