GERMANY, Uncertain. AR Medal (41x44mm, 27.82 g, 12h). “Federjude” (Feather Jew) type. By Christian Wermuth (or J. Reteke?). Struck early 18th century.

Triton XXV
Lot: 1315. Estimated: $ 3 000

World Medals, Silver

Sold For $ 4 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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GERMANY, Uncertain. AR Medal (41x44mm, 27.82 g, 12h). “Federjude” (Feather Jew) type. By Christian Wermuth (or J. Reteke?). Struck early 18th century. Jewish merchant standing left, holding small bag reading VI/TIA/ ALI/ENA in script; on back, large sack reading VITA PROPRIA in script / Cupid seated right on lion with ehad left, holding bow and arrow in left hand, bridle of lion in right; in exergue, AMOR VINCIT OMNIA in script. Opthalmomogia XI.130 (this medal illustrated); Friedenberg, Medals p. 11-12. Toned, numerous edge and field marks. VF. Rare.

From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Kagin 337 (31 January 1985), lot 3340.

The “Federjude” (Feather Jew) medals are a series of anti-Semitic pieces produced in Germany in the early 18th century. The symbolism of the type is not clear. It may be an allegory of a cuckold, or simply represent an ethnic slur. Friedenberg suggests that the “feathers” in the sack indicate that the figure is a “spiritual cuckold,” and that the medal depicts a court Jew.

The final winners of all Triton XXV lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 11-12 January 2022. Triton XXV – Session Four – Early Medieval & Islamic Coinage through Large Lots will be held Wednesday afternoon, 12 January 2022 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.

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