© Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg
© Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg
1 Thaler - Philip II Death of Philip II
1596 year| Silver | 29.15 g | 42 mm |
| Issuer | Principality of Brunswick-Grubenhagen (German States) |
|---|---|
| Prince | Philip II (Philipp II) (1551-1596) |
| Type | Circulating commemorative coin |
| Year | 1596 |
| Value | 1 Thaler |
| Currency | Thaler |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 29.15 g |
| Diameter | 42 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#353197 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
6-line inscription with Roman numeral date, mintmaster's symbol below.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
OBIIT
IIII. APRIL.
ANNO. M. D.
XCVI. VIXIT
ANN. LXII.
MENS. XI.
Interesting fact
The 1 Thaler coin commemorating the death of Philip II of Brunswick-Grubenhagen in 1596 is notable for its unusual design. The coin features a portrait of Philip II on one side, while the other side depicts a skeleton holding an hourglass and a banner with the inscription "Vitae brevitas" (the brevity of life). This macabre imagery was meant to symbolize the transience of human life and the inevitability of death, themes that were popular in Renaissance art and literature. The coin's design was likely intended to serve as a memento mori, a reminder to the living of the importance of preparing for death and the afterlife.
