Ferdinand III was archduke of Austria, and King of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia from 1637 until his death in 1657. He was the last emperor to have any real power over the Holy Roman Empire. Most of his reign consisted of dealing with the military and political aspects of the 30 Years War. Ferdinand III was a musician and avid supporter of the arts. Upon his death, the renowned keyboardist and composer Jakob Froberger was deeply grieved, and wrote his Lamentation sur la mort de Ferdinand III, a poignant memorial to his good friend and sponsor... The inscriptions contain many abbreviations, some consisting of only one letter. They translate to “Ferdinand, by the Grace of God, Emperor of the Romans always august, King of Germany, Hungary and Bohemia” (obverse), and “Archduke of Austria and Carinthia, and Duke of Burgundy, 1639” (reverse). AUSTRIA/HUNGARY. House of Hapsburg. Ferdinand III, AD 1637-1657 AR 3 Kreuzer, St. Viet mint, 1639 Obv.: FERDI III D G R I (3) S A G H ET B R; Laureate bust right within circle. Rev.: ARCHI AVS ET CARINT D B ET 1639; Three shields separated by ornaments in a circle, above imperial eagle, right ancient Burgundy, left Carinthia (Kärnten). Reference: KM 835
