Owner Comments:
The birthday ball was in full swing; music was playing and lavishly dressed guests glided across the ballroom floor of the palace. August 25th in year 1827 was the day that Bavaria celebrated the birthday of its King Ludwig I. Celebratory orchestras filled the streets of Munich, and rivers of beer flowed throughout the land. Amidst the celebration, the King himself sat in his throne room and graciously accepted gifts and congratulations from his many guests that arrived from all corners of Germany. When finally the Director and Engraver of the Mint Cabinet Franz Ignaz von Streber approached the King, he offered an ornate wooden box - the King’s eyes flashed in awe, for he knew that the precious box contained a new Taler or other fancy trinket. The King exclaimed, “Dear Ignaz, can it be? Is it a brand new Taler?” Old artist inclined his head offering the box in proud presentation, “Your Grace, this is more than just a Taler!” Gently taking the box from Ignuz, Ludwig opened it carefully and his eyes widened in amazement. Upon a red velvet pillow, shining splendidly in pure gold, was a new Order, shaped as the Maltian Cross and reflecting Ludwig’s astonishment in its golden center. “I have never seen such masterwork before, Ignuz! What do you call this?” Exclaimed the King in wonder. “This,” replied the Mintmaster, “is the new Order of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, the first of its kind. It appears, your Grace, that you never had such an Order and you are definitely need one!” Ludwig inspected the Order closely, carefully, and confirmed his amazement as the magnificent piece cast radiant light across the room. However, a bothersome thought perturbed his imagination… to whom could he bestow this newfound Order to, and for what accomplishment? Ignuz seemed to recognize the King’s momentary unease, and stated, “Every King needs his own order, to reward servants to the King for valorous deeds in the name of Germany!” And now the King smiled slyly, saying, “Dear Franz, thank you for the wonderful gift! I have made a decision; you will be the first recipient of this prestigious Order, for excellency in the crafting of the Bavarian history in beautiful Orders and Coins! You are the first to be worthy of their grand purpose! Furthermore, you have been a faithful servant to this great realm for many years, and your work for my father Maximilan and me, Ludwig the First, must be memorialized forever!” In eternal gratitude, the Mintmaster bowed low and exclaimed, “As your Grace would will it, I shall graciously accept this infinite honor. It brings great joy to my heart to see recognition for the formation of the MuenzCabinet and the continual production of great coinage for this wondrous nation. Each Taler is yet another shining gem in the crown of all of your Grace’s achievements as the King of this land.” Ludwig bowed his head in return, saying, “My dear friend, you have my gratitude for this wondrous gift. But don’t forget,tomorrow, bring the sketch for the new Taler as well! We will call it “King Ludwig Order Taler”!”
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Order of Ludwig was awarded to the citizens and government workers for the honest and faithful service to the king as well as for the 50 years of service. During the time of war each year counts as two. The Order was designed as gold Cross for there high ranked officers and as a gold medal for the 50 years of faithful service to the king for the rest of servants and citizens.
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German Talers since 1800 by John S. Davenport
Bavaria, King Ludwig Series (1825 - 1848).
Taler 1827, ORDER OF LUDWIG
Davenport 560, KM 732, Thun 53, AKS 118, J.35
Commemoration of the founding of the Order of Ludwig for the long and faithful service to the king.
Obverse: Head fo Ludwig to the right, LUDWIG I KOENIG VON BAYERN. ZEHN EINE FEINE MARK
Reverse: STIFTUNG DES LUDWIGS-ORDENS (Founding of the Ludwig Order), the portrait of the king on cross with LUDWIG KOENIG VON BAYERN aroung, 1827 below.
28.0600 g., 0.83300 Silver, 0.7515 oz. ASW.
Cameo strike, clear mirror fields, proof-like appearance.