German State Sede Vacante Talers and Medals
Brunswick - 1599 Taler
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Coin Details
| Origin/Country: |
GERMANY - TO 1600 Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel |
| Item Description: |
Silver TALER 1599 BRUNSWICK-WOLFENBUTTEL D-9093 DAV-9093 |
| Full Grade: |
NGC XF 40 |
| Owner: |
worldcoinguy |
Owner Comments:
The Mückentaler ("Mosquito Thaler"), which is also called the Wespentaler ("Wasp Thaler"), was issued by Duke Heinrich Julius as a subtle commentary on his conflict with some noble families (Steinberg, Stockheim, etc.). He issued a few talers in the late 1590s that mocked these families. This particular piece shows a lion, representing the Duke, who is attacked by ten mosquitos (the noble families). The eagle above symbolizes the Emperor who protects and helps the lion/duke. The allusions made on these pieces were by and large understood by the locals at the time.
ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg auction 22 (Oct 2009) - lot 1392