Election into Order of the Garter

Sale: Triton X, Lot: 934. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Monday, 8 January 2007.  Sold For $900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GERMANY, Sachsen-Albertinische Linie. Johann Georg IV. Elector, 1691-1694. AR Taler Klippe (25.48 g, 3h). Commemorating the election of Johann Georg IV into the Order of the Garter. Johann Koch, mintmaster. Dated 1693. JG 4 monogram inside garter band inscribed with legend HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE •, coats of arms in four corners, 16 93 • below band / DIS : MALE : CERPENDUS QUI MALE SENTIT ERIT •, crowned wreath with crossed swords; 1 THAL in cartouche below, coats of arms in corners. Schnee 977; Merseburger 1311; Davenport 7649; KM 642. Good VF, toned.

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.