Reply to Thread

Message:: [QUOTE="Seba79, post: 26213864, member: 70480"]Very interesting. In fact, it is a Tribute token weighing a quarter thaler from the Passau bishop and cardinal Leopold Ernst von Firmian. Obverse: LEOPOLD ERNST D: G. EXEMPTÆ ECCL: PATAVIENSIS EPPO. & S•R•I•PRI•EX COMIT: & DNIS: DE FIRMIAN HOMAGIUM PRÆSTITUM PATAUI 18•JUNII 1764 Reverse: Five-field crowned coat of arms on ermine, beneath which is a cartouche with an arm emerging from clouds above four lambs. Outside, lettering NON VI . SED AMORE and a circle of pearls. Leopold Ernst von Firmian was Bishop of Seckau and Coadjutor of Trent when he became Prince-Bishop of Passau in 1763. He held this office until his death in 1783. In addition to his episcopal office, he was also one of Empress Maria Theresa's close advisors and was even elevated to cardinal in 1772. In numismatic terms, Bishop Leopold Ernst is best known for the homage medals and tokens that were minted shortly after his elevation to Bishop of Passau. Two of his three confirmed coin types, however, date from his time as cardinal. This homage token from 1764 probably served either as a gift coin or, less likely, as a coin that was thrown to the people during public homage ceremonies. Such pieces are referred to as medals, but they also had a market value corresponding to their precious metal weight. In this case, it was a quarter taler. The occasion for the issue was recorded on the obverse with an 8-line legend.[/QUOTE]