the IARCM collection

This is a cast brass medal produced at the time Albrecht von Brandenburg, Archbishop-Elector of Magdeburg (1513–1545) ruled Magdeburg. Thie pieces is attributed to medalist Hieronymus Magdeburg +1540, and dated [ND] 1530. It falls within the Silver Age of Reformation numismatics and commemorates the 200th anniversary of the martyrdom of Bohemian Jan Hus at the Council of Constance on July 6, 1415; it is commonly referred to as the Hußtaler.

The obverse shows a right-facing portrait of Jan Hus (1369–1415) in Talar with doctor's cap. The obverse inscription reads IOÃ / HVS // SANCTAM • CATOLICAM + CREDO • VNAM • ESSE • ECCLESIAM [IOHANNES HUS SANCTAM CATOLICAM CREDO VNAM ESSE ECCLESIAM] (John Hus: I believe in one holy catholic church). The reverse shows the full figure of Jan Hus bound and fitted with a heretic hat, being burned at the stake. CON / DEM // NA / TVR appears in two lines to the right and left of the figure. The double encircling inscription reads NATO • 1415 • IO • HVS / ANNO • A • CHRISTO // [Hieronymus Magdeburg insignia] • CENTVM • REVOLVTIS • ANNIS • DEO • RESPVNDEBITIS • ET • MIHI. [NATO 1415 IO HVS / ANNO A CHRISTO CENTVM REVOLVTIS ANNIS DEO RESPVNDEBITIS ET MIHI] (Jan Hus, born in Christ in [the year] 1415 // After one hundred years from Christ, you will answer to God and to me).

This commemorative medal of Hus is often referred to as the “Hußtaler" and communicates the strong identification the Lutheran Reformation had with what was seen as a direct precursor to Luther. This is a very rare variant with (a) the “RESPVNDEBITIS” spelling on the reverse. Acceptable detail of medium quality cast, but with distinct HM monogram.

This is a cast brass medal produced at the time Albrecht von Brandenburg, Archbishop-Elector of Magdeburg (1513–1545) ruled Magdeburg. Thie pieces is attributed to medalist Hieronymus Magdeburg +1540, and dated [ND] 1530. It falls within the Silver Age of Reformation numismatics and commemorates the 200th anniversary of the martyrdom of Bohemian Jan Hus at the Council of Constance on July 6, 1415; it is commonly referred to as the Hußtaler.

The obverse shows a right-facing portrait of Jan Hus (1369–1415) in Talar with doctor's cap. The obverse inscription reads IOÃ / HVS // SANCTAM • CATOLICAM + CREDO • VNAM • ESSE • ECCLESIAM [IOHANNES HUS SANCTAM CATOLICAM CREDO VNAM ESSE ECCLESIAM] (John Hus: I believe in one holy catholic church). The reverse shows the full figure of Jan Hus bound and fitted with a heretic hat, being burned at the stake. CON / DEM // NA / TVR appears in two lines to the right and left of the figure. The double encircling inscription reads NATO • 1415 • IO • HVS / ANNO • A • CHRISTO // [Hieronymus Magdeburg insignia] • CENTVM • REVOLVTIS • ANNIS • DEO • RESPVNDEBITIS • ET • MIHI. [NATO 1415 IO HVS / ANNO A CHRISTO CENTVM REVOLVTIS ANNIS DEO RESPVNDEBITIS ET MIHI] (Jan Hus, born in Christ in [the year] 1415 // After one hundred years from Christ, you will answer to God and to me).

This commemorative medal of Hus is often referred to as the “Hußtaler" and communicates the strong identification the Lutheran Reformation had with what was seen as a direct precursor to Luther. This is a very rare variant with (a) the “RESPVNDEBITIS” spelling on the reverse. Acceptable detail of medium quality cast, but with distinct HM monogram.

This is a cast silver medal produced in Magdeburg under Albrecht von Brandenburg, Archbishop-Elector of Magdeburg (1513–1545), attributed to medalist Hieronymus Magdeburg +1540, and dated to 1533. It falls within the Silver Age of Reformation numismatics. This piece is a later recast.

The obverse shows a left-facing portrait of Martin Luther in talar with doctor's cap. The two-line inscription in the background reads MA • / LVT • // ECS / WIT • [MARTINVS LVTHERVS ECCLESIASTICVS MINISTER (?) WITTENBERGVS] (Martin Luther, ecclesiastical minister (?) of Wittenberg). The surrounding inscription reads OS x ET x SAPIENCIA x DABO x VOBIS x CVI x NO x POIERT x COTDICERE x ZC [OS ET SAPIENTIA DABO VOBIS CVI NON POTERIT CONTRADICERE SC] (I will give you a mouth and wisdom which none shall be able to contradict), with reference in upper background LV ZI [LVKAS 21]. *Re-cast medalist name LOVY is added to base of portrait. The reverse shows a modelled five-petal Luther-rose with heart (cross on heart is absent). The surrounding inscription reads IN x SILENCIO x ET x SPE x ERIT x FORTITVDO x VESTRA x ESA x 30 x [IN SILENCIO ET SPE ERIT FORTITVDO VESTRA ISAIAS 30] (In silence and hope shall be your strength, Isaiah 30).

The inscription on the obverse is a direct reference to “Donabo vobis os sapientiae cui non poterunt resistere et contradicere” (Luke 21:15) from the Vulgate. The inscription on the reverse directly links Luther the Reformer to the prophetic words of Isaiah 30:15. This expertly crafted modern re-cast of the famous 16th century Reformation medal is accurate in detail, with the addition of “COPY” engraved to the base of the obverse portrait base. Modern information tag from H. und M. Opel, Lutherstraße 9, 4600 Wittenberg included.

This is a struck silver proof of a coin produced in Goslar under John Frederick I, the Magnanimous (Johann Friedrich der Großmütige) (1532–1547) and Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse (Philipp der Großmütige) (1509–1567), and dated 1544. It falls within the Silver Age of Reformation numismatics. This is a later restrike proof in a clear plastic capsule.

The obverse shows a quarter bust of Johann Friedrich facing right in ermine Kurmantel bearing a sword on his shoulder with both hands. The encircling inscription reads [Kurfüstentum/Herzogtum of Sachsen coat-of-arms] IOHAN • F [ Markgrafschaft Meißen coat-of-arms] REDERIC [Burggrafschaft Magdeburg coat-of-arms] D: SAC • R • [Landgrafschaft Thüringen coat-of-arms] MAGDE •. The reverse shows a quarter bust of aromored Philipp holding Kommandostab in his right hand and Streitkolben in his left, with the date 15 /44 in the background. The encircling inscription reads [Landgrafschaft Hessen coat-of-arms] PHILIP • [Grafschaft Nidda coat-of-arms] D: G• LAN [Grafschaft Dietz coat-of-arms] G• [Grafschaft Ziegenhain coat-of-arms] HASSIE• [Grafschaft Katzenellnbogen coat-of-arms] C • K • D: 3 N• [PHILIPPVS DEI GRATIA LANDGRAVII HASSIAE COMES CATZENELNBOGEN DIETZ ZIGENHAIN NIDDÆ] (Philip, by the grace of God, Landgrave of Hesse, Count of Katzenelnbogen, Dietz, Ziegenhain, and Nidda).

This coin was minted when Lutheran regions were at war with Roman Catholic forces under the Schmalkald League (February 27, 1531–April 24, 1547). The Schmalkald League made use of mints in Goslar, Kassel, and Marburg. Philipp’s two batons differ primarily in design, purpose, and use. A Streitkolben is a combat weapon with a heavy metal striking head on a shaft, designed to crush armor through blunt force. A Kommandstab is a lighter, ornamental staff symbolizing authority, often topped with a finial or emblem, used by officers for command rather than fighting, common in Renaissance military portraits. Choice proof condition of a modern restrike.

This is a struck silver half-taler coin produced in Dresden under Kurfürst Christian II (1591–1611) of the Albertine Electorate of Saxony and dated 1597. It falls within the Silver Age of Reformation numismatics and is commonly referred to as the “Three Brothers [Drei Brüder] Half-Taler.” The piece bears initials HB for [Heinrich von Brück].

The obverse shows half-length Johann Georg I, Christian II, and Augustus with ruffs, with date 15 / 98. The obverse inscription reads CHRISTIAN • IOHAN • GEORG • ET • AVGVSTVS [orb and cross] [CHRISTIAN II IOHANNES GEORGIUS ET AUGUSTUS] (Christian II, Johannes Georg, and Augustus). The reverse shows the Albertine Electorate of Saxony coat-of-arms with surrounding inscription [diamond rosette] FRATRES • ET • DVCES • SAXONIÆ • (Brothers and Dukes of Saxony).

In 1598, Christian II was the Elector of Albertine Saxony. After the death of his father Christian I, the regency was led by his mother Sophie of Brandenburg. Saxon authorities purged Philippist/Calvinist influences and required oath-swearing to the Lutheran Book of Concord (1580), cementing Albertine Saxony as a bastion of strict Lutheran orthodoxy. Some detail has been lost but this remains a solid example with a very pleasing redish-orange and bluish-green patina.

This is a silver half-groschen produced in Leipzig, attributed to Frederick II (?), and dated 1475 (?). It falls within the Silver Age of Reformation numismatics.

The obverse shows ducal arms with crossed swords with a tri-lobe frame. The encircling inscription reads FRI • D • G • DVC • SAX (Frederick, by the grace of God, Duke of Saxony). The reverse shows a coat-of-arms with a tri-lobe frame. The inscription reads GROSSVS NOVVS DVCVM SAXONI [six-pointed star] (New groschen of the Dukes of Saxony).

A very good example but with some pitting and darker discoloration / patina.

This is a gold-plated silver medal with hanger attached, produced in Nuremberg under Christian II., Johann Georg I. und August (1601-1611), and dated 1601. It falls within the Silver Age of Reformation numismatics and is a Personenmedaille commemorating Jan Hus and Martin Luther. Nuremberg medalist Christian / Valentin Maler is named in the lower panel of the obverse.

The obverse description is given by Christian Juncker in the text of his Reformatio in Nummis: “About that same time, there was also a preacher in Prague in Bohemia named Gottfried Rabe, who had come to Wittenberg and there publicly made a confession to the true evangelical religion. In honor and remembrance of his conversion, some were struck there by a famous die-cutter in Nuremberg, Valentin or Birich Maler, at 300 pfennigs each. Since these also renew the memory of Luther and Hus, they therefore deserve to be placed here. In the upper half [of the obverse], a goose and a swan, which signify Hus and Luther, facing one another; in the lower half, a raven on a prayer book, upon which lies the triple papal crown. At the side of the book, one sees three shepherds, a church, a papal chalice with a hanging bell, a church banner, and a triple shepherd’s staff ... .” The encircling inscription reads [five-petal florette] VND DER KONIG WIRD THVN WAS ER WIL VND / AVF WERFFEN WIDER ALLES WAS GOTT IST. DANI[ELIS] 12 • 2 THE[SSALONICENSES] 2 [:4]. [“AND THE KING SHALL DO WHAT HE WILLS AND SHALL EXALT HIMSELF AND LIFT HIMSELF UP AGAINST EVERYTHING THAT IS GOD.” Daniel 12:36 and 2 Thessalonians 2:4]. The inscription beneath reads C[VM] • PRIVI[LEGIO] • C[AESAREO] (By imperial license). The reverse bears a 14-line inscription: ANNO • 1414 • / ZV • COSTNITZ DIE / GANS GEBRAT[E]N WAR D- / A[NN]O. 1521 • DEN SCHWANEN Z / WVRMS GOT BE WAR DT- • / GEFLOGEN- KAM- EIN RAB- / WELCHER OHN ALLE SCH - / AM- • SEIN HESLICH • GSCH - /REI VERLASSEN HADT - / ITZT LIEBLICH SINGT / DVRCH GOT ES GNAD / GODEFRID • RAB: / D • D • V • M • (In the year 1414 at Constance the goose was roasted; in the year 1521 at Worms God preserved the swan. There flew a raven, which, without any shame, has left behind its ugly screeching; now it sings sweetly by God’s grace. Gottfried Rabe / Respectfully dedicated by Maler.)

This piece was acquired from the Espy Collection, via Wendell Wokla (WAGO A50 Lot 1690, 2015). It is not included in either Brozatus or Opitz. It was crafted by medalist Valentin Maler of Nuernberg, “one of the most prolific German medalists of the late 16th century.” Uncirculated condition with very pleasing patina and mirror-like surface on obverse background. Engraved hanger attached.

This is a later cast of a gold-plated silver medal dated 1537. It falls within the Silver Age of Reformation numismatics and is a Personenmedaille commemorating Martin Luther.

The obverse shows a quarter bust of Martin Luther facing right in high-collar Talar with doctor's cap, holding a closed Bible with both hands. The encircling inscription reads • DOCTOR • MARTINVS • LVTHERVS • PROPHETA • GERMANIAE • MDXXXVII (Doctor Martin Luther, Prophet of Germany, 1537). The background is stimpled and an image of a leaf is used to separate individual words. Variants include a button loop on the collar, absent on this piece. The reverse shows two winged putti standing, holding a coat-of-arms shield emblazoned with the five-petaled Luther-rose. The cross is elevated from the heart. Absent is any encircling inscription.

This is one of the most referenced numismtaic presentations of Martin Luther—especially because of what is announced in the accompanying inscription: Luther is God's Prophet to the Germans. Juncker refers to Johann Mathesius's records of Martin Luther's Table-talk (Tischreden), particularly within context to historical discussions around pages 179-180, highlight prophecies regarding the eventual corruption of the Gospel after his death and the inevitable downfall of the papacy through the Word of God. Luther maintained that despite the rise of sects and false teachers, the Word of God would ultimately be preserved, as documented in studies on the reformer's views. Very fine condition for a later cast with pleasing patina.

This is a cast silver medal produced in Magdeburg under Albrecht von Brandenburg, Archbishop-Elector of Magdeburg (1513–1545), attributed to Hieronymus Magdeburg +1540, and dated to 1530. It falls within the Silver Age of Reformation numismatics and commemorates the 200th anniversary of the martyrdom of Bohemian Jan Hus at the Council of Constance on July 6, 1415; it is commonly referred to as the Hußtaler.

The obverse shows a right-facing portrait of Jan Hus (1369–1415) in Talar with doctor's cap. The obverse inscription reads IOÃ / HVS // SANCTAM • CATOLICAM + CREDO • VNAM • ESSE • ECCLESIAM [IOHANNES HUS SANCTAM CATOLICAM CREDO VNAM ESSE ECCLESIAM] (John Hus: I believe in one holy catholic church). The reverse shows the full figure of Jan Hus bound and fitted with a heretic hat, being burned at the stake. The two-line inscription beside the figure reads CON / DEM // NA / TVR. The double encircling inscription reads NATO • 1415 • IO • HVS / ANNO • A • CHRISTO // [Hieronymus Magdeburg insignia] • CENTVM • REVOLVTIS • ANNIS • DEO • RESPVNDEBITIS • ET • MIHI. [NATO 1415 IO HVS / ANNO A CHRISTO CENTVM REVOLVTIS ANNIS DEO RESPVNDEBITIS ET MIHI] (Jan Hus, born in Christ in [the year] 1415 // After one hundred years have passed, you will answer to God and to me).

This commemorative medal of Hus is often referred to as the “Hußtaler" and communicates the strong identification the Lutheran Reformation had with what was seen as a direct precursor to Luther. This is a rare variant, especially with visible Hieronymus Magdeburg insignia and “RESPVNDEBITIS” spelling on the reverse. Acceptable detail of medium-quality cast with chasing, especially of the lettering.

This is a silver medal produced in Köln under Hermann V von Wied, Archbishop and Elector of Cologne, attributed to Friedrich Hagenauer (c. 1490/1500 – after 1546), and dated 1526. It falls within the Silver Age of Reformation numismatics and is a Personenmedaille commemorating Martin Luther.

The obverse shows a left-facing portrait of Martin Luther with ruffed collar and Talar. The background is finely stimpled. The reverse bears a three-line inscription: DML. [DOCTOR MARTIN LUTHER] / AD [ANNO DOMINI] / 1526 (Doctor Martin Luther / in the year of the Lord / 1526).

One of the earliest depictions of Martin Luther on a cast commemorative medal. Brozatus and Opitz are hesitant to strictly identify the portrait as Luther. However, others are more certain this is a portrait of the Reformer (Habich, Mende). Brozatus believes this medal was of later origin and produced in Albrecht Dürer’s Nürnberg (thus the “AD” monogram on the reverse). See this discussion under Opitz 10a description. Even more preserved detail than the bronze example in the IARCM Collection, with pleasing green and purple patina on the reverse.

This is a silver Klippe-form medal with hanger attached, produced in Kremnitz / Kremnica / Körmöcbanya and dated 1545. It falls within the Silver Age of Reformation numismatics and is a Personenmedaille commemorating the Resurrection of Christ, after Christoph Fueszl or Joachim Deschler.

The obverse shows the full-figure of the resurrected Christ with cape and victory banner and right hand in blessing, standing on the open grave/tomb with cityscape on left and mountain with a fortress (Wartburg?) on the right. Two unconscious Roman centurion guards with spears stand on each side of the grave / tomb, another stands at Christ's feet. The lower panel reads 1545 / [cloverleaf?] The reverse has an embossed circle for piercing. It shows the Lamb of God with radiant head at rest with victory banner, with large fortified city in the background (the heavenly Jerusalem?). The six-line inscription reads CHRISTVS • IST • DAS • / LEMEL • GOTTES / DAS • DEK • WEL / T • SINT / TREG / T • (Christ is the Lamb of God who bears the sin of the world).

A devotional piece from the Reformation era. Possible parallelism between Erfurt mountain with Wartburg and the heavenly Jerusalem. According to Wikipedia, Kremnitz belonged to the Protestant "League of Seven Mining Towns" together with Banská Belá, Banská Bystrica, Banská Štiavnica, Ľubietová, Nová Baňa, and Pukanec. In the 16th century, the town was a major center of production of religious medals, especially by Joachim Deschler. Very good condition with some detail remaining. Some evidence of chasing.