© Yurii Pidopryhora
© Yurii Pidopryhora
8 Albus
| Silver | 3.85 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | City of Cologne (German States) |
|---|---|
| Period | Free city |
| Emperor | Ferdinand III (1637-1657) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1637-1644 |
| Value | 8 Albus (⅙) |
| Currency | Thaler |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.85 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#222928 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Denomination within central ornamented rhombus. Legend with titles of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III around.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
8 // ALBVS // COLS
FERD / III.D:G. / RO.IM / SE.AV
Translation:
8 Cologne Albus
Ferdinandus III Dei Gratia Romanorum Imperator Semper Augustus
[Ferdinand III, by the grace of God Roman Emperor, forever August]
Comment
On July 23, 1164 Archbishop of Cologne Rainald von Dassel entered the city in triumphal procession with what was firmly believed to be the relics of the Magi (in the Gospel of Matthew and Christian tradition – distinguished foreigners who visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh). Since then Cologne became firmly associated with these figures. Medieval myths fixed their number to three, thought of them as kings (hence three crowns on the coat of arms of Cologne), gave them names (variations of Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar) and even made up coats of arms for them (crescent moon and star for Caspar, six stars for Melchior, and a Moorish warrior with spear for Balthasar), that were supposed to indicate their lands of origin.Obverse of this coin celebrates the connection of Cologne with the Three Magi, showing the arms of the city surrounded by the arms and names of her most cherished holy protectors.
The nominal weight of this coin and the limits of its variation are unknown, 3.85g is the weight of one particular coin.
An obverse legend variation exists with the second Mage's name abbreviated as MELCHIO.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin 8 Albus 1637-1644 from City of Cologne (German States) made of Silver weighing 3.85g is that it was minted during a time of great economic and political change in Europe. The Thirty Years War had just ended in 1648, and the Holy Roman Empire was in the process of dissolving. The City of Cologne, which was a free imperial city, took advantage of this moment of instability to issue its own coinage, including this silver 8 Albus coin. Despite the turmoil of the time, the coin still maintains a high level of craftsmanship and beauty, with intricate details and designs that showcase the skill of the mint's engravers and craftsmen.
