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Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 
271, Lot: 826. Estimate $100.
Sold for $950. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GERMANY, Sachsen-Ernestinische Linie (Kurfürstentum). Friedrich III der Weise (the Wise), with Johann & Georg. 1483-1525. AR Klappmützentaler (41mm, 28.97 g, 9h). Annaberg mint. Struck 1507-1525. Mantled bust of Friedrich right, holding sword / Confronted mantled busts of Johann and Georg. Davenport 9709. VF, toned, graffito (“W”) on reverse.


From the HLT Collection.

This is the first coin of dollar size to be struck in reasonably large quantity. The name "taler" was not applied to coins of this size until about 1518.

Friedrich the Wise was the first ruler of modern Saxony. He founded the University of Wittenburg in 1502, and in 1508 he appointed Martin Luther to a professorship in Philosophy. Later on, Friedrich was instrumental in protecting Luther from the wrath of the Church by refusing to enforce the Papal bull which required Luther's writings be burned and the reformer be sent to Rome. When, in 1521, Luther was placed under the imperial ban by the diet at Worms, Friedrich had him brought to his castle for protection.