The Great Comet of 1618

453, Lot: 739. Estimate $500. Sold for $800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GERMANY, Frankfurt (Stadt). AR Klippe Medal (22x22mm, 2.73 g, 12h). Dated 19 November 1618. Comet left toward horizon line; · ANNO 1618/· 19 : NO’; all within wreath with floral elements in outer voids / Reeds and smoldering candle set on pedestal, each set on waves, flanking pair of hands in prayer; sun above; · ESA · 42 · in exergue; all within circular border inscribed • KEINS WIRT (VE)RSERT · WER GOTT REC(HT) E(HR)T; cherubim in outer voids. D.L. Walter, “Medallic Memorials of the Great Comets, Part VI,” AJN (April 1890), 3. Toned. EF.

Throughout history, sudden astronomical appearances have often been interpreted as heralds of doom or harbingers of great change. Among these, the comet was the most notable, since it infrequently appeared, and when it did, its long tail (cometa) caused it to stand out in the heavens. During the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period, a number of great comets are recorded. Among these, the “Great Comet of 1618”, also known as “the Angry Star” due to its extremely long tail, its reddish hue, and its strength and duration of its appearance, was particularly noteworthy. Appearing in the first autumn 1618, this comet was visible to the naked eye for over seven weeks until early 1619, even being discernible during the day. Its appearance across Europe during the early months of the Thirty Year’s War (1618-1648) prompted excited interpretations of its its meaning, many of which portended gloom. Even James I of England, a noted author of the occult, is known to have written a poem about it.