© mattei2b
© mattei2b
5 Kreuzer - Emmerich Joseph of Breidbach-Bürresheim
1767 year| Silver | 2.20 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Archbishopric of Mainz (German States) |
|---|---|
| Prince-archbishop | Emmerick Joseph of Breidbach of Bürresheim (Emmerich Joseph von Breidbach zu Bürresheim) (1763-1774) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1767 |
| Value | 5 Kreuzer (1⁄24) |
| Currency | Conventionsthaler (1764-1803) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.20 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#141534 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Rhombus with 4-line inscritption, legend surrounding.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
IUS TIRT
1767
FB
240 EINE FEINE MARK
Edge
Plain
Comment
Emmerich Joseph von Breidbach zu Bürresheim, born in Coblenz on November 12, 1707 and died in Mainz on June 11, 1774, was Grand Dean of the Metropolitan Church of Mainz, Prince-Elector and Archbishop of Mainz.Emmeric-Joseph von Breidbach came from a noble family in Bürresheim. He was canonically elected archbishop on July 5, 1763, after the death of Johann Friedrich Karl von Ostein.
His openness to the principles of the Enlightenment made him the most eminent prince-archbishop of Mainz in the 18th century. Although he confined himself to continuing his predecessor's mercantilist economic policy, he devoted himself all the more to educational reform. In particular, he sought to curb the influence of the religious orders, especially the Jesuits, who controlled the universities and lycées. However, his attempts were only successful when Pope Clement XIV dissolved the order in 1773.
To give the grammar schools and universities financial autonomy, Emmeric-Joseph von Breidbach dispersed congregations that had become ghostly, requisitioned their property and restricted the privileges of religious. In 1771, this provoked opposition from the canonical chapter, which was concerned about the loss of its own possessions and privileges, but finally bowed to the archbishop. These measures helped to improve educational standards, and to introduce new, more practical subjects into teaching, such as the natural sciences, making children not only good Christians, but also, and above all, productive citizens.
Together with the other two archbishop electors (Cologne and Trier), Emmerich Josef strove from 1768 to 1770 to reduce the Pope's authority over the affairs of his diocese. But this failed, due to disagreements between the three prelates, the lack of support from Emperor Joseph II, and Pope Clement XIII's reluctance to make concessions. Enlightenment ideas received their final impetus under his reign. He died of a cardiac polyp on June 11, 1774 (source Wikipedia).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 5 Kreuzer coin from the Archbishopric of Mainz is that it features a unique design element - a small shield with the initials "E.J." (for Emmerich Joseph) located above the coat of arms on the reverse side of the coin. This subtle detail adds an extra layer of historical significance to the coin, as it personalizes the coin to the individual who commissioned it, Emmerich Joseph of Breidbach-Bürresheim.
