© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
5 Thalers - Frederick Ulrich
1614 year| Silver | 142.47 g | 85 mm |
| Issuer | Principality of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (German States) |
|---|---|
| Prince | Frederick Ulrich (Friedrich Ulrich) (1613-1634) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1614 |
| Value | 5 Thalers |
| Currency | Thaler (1499-1814) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 142.47 g |
| Diameter | 85 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#182393 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Helmeted arms.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
DEO ∗ ET ∗ PATRIÆ ∗ AN NO ∗ DOMINI ∗ M ∗ DC ∗ XIV ⚔
5
Comment
Löser, or Redeemers, inhabit a purposeful, albeit very unusual, place in German numismatics. The utility of such coins in everyday commerce was virtually nil, but that was essentially the point. Duke Julius of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel was the first to institute such a coinage in 1574, giving the genre its common name of "Löser" by the engraving of "BRVNSWIGS IVLIVS LOSER AM WERT ALIIS INSERVIENDO CONSVMOR" in the reverse inscription. Due to plentiful silver production in the Harz Mountains, the idea was that nearly all landowners were required to purchase at least one Löser whenever an issue was produced and then retain it for redemption to the treasury in the event of war or crisis. In addition to the requirement of purchase, there were officials that conducted periodic checks on landholders to account for the Löser and to ensure they were accessible. The calling in and melting of such specie throughout the turbulence of the Thirty Years' War has contributed to the great rarity of many types, particularly in exceptional condition. (Source: the Cape Coral Collection of Multiple Talers)Goslar or Zellerfeld mint.
Mintmaster - Heinrich Oeckeler
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 5 Thalers - Frederick Ulrich 1614 coin from the Principality of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel is that it features an image of a lion on one side, which was a symbol of strength and power in the region at the time.
