[Game] World Coins Time Machine… Counting Backward by Year! (Plus Prize Coin)

Wow. This thread was stuck in quicksand for a couple of weeks but it has been moving like lightning the last few days. I just happen to have another share.

In my humble opinion, it looks much nicer in hand.

1599 Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel Wasp Thaler

Obverse: 3 small shields of arms in the center, 2 above 1, 9 small shields of arms around, titles of Heinrich Julius and date
Reverse: Flying eagle above, seated lion below, 10 wasps flying between from hive at left, all in wreath border

Ruler: Heinrich Julius
Note: Dav.#9092. Wasp Thaler. Varieties exist.

Composition: Silver



This one-year type is a product of the Osterrode mint. The obverse has 12 shields of arms within a laurel wreath surrounded by titles and the date. The reverse shows a lion and eagle surrounded by wasps. The lion and eagle represent Heinrich Julius and Emperor Rudolph. The wasps represent their subjects “buzzing” their complaints.

 

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I was hoping I would get to post this one. Its my last for a bit. It is a 1599 taler from Brunswick Wolfenbuttel. I find this particular issue intriguing due to its backstory. The Mückentaler ("Mosquito Taler"), which is also called the Wespentaler ("Wasp Taler"), was issued by Duke Heinrich Julius as a commentary about 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. The other talers issued by Duke Heinrich Julius include the Rebellentaler (Rebels Thaler), the Lügentaler (Lies Thaler), and the Wahrheitstaler (Truth Thaler).

 

I guess we posted at the same time. I like yours better.

 

Chris B - what timing! We both posted the same coin at almost the same exact time! That is fantastic. It is indeed interesting to see the die differences.

 

Wow - that skipped on too quick for me! I went to bed last night and we were on 1602 and wake up this morning and we are on 1599. Back track a little to my 1601:

Elizabeth I Irish Penny.

 

I never knew the exact symbolism of the wasps. Thank you !

 

Back to 1602!

Being busy with work, had no time for to post my 1602

AV Sword & Scepter 1602 29mm./5.05g. Edinburgh Mint
Eight coinage crude strike
James VI of Scotland 1567-1625

 

Crude strike ? You gold guys have very high standards ! Compared to Scottish silver or billon of the period, it is an absolute beauty.

 

We seem to have stalled again - I think we got to 1598 before a few back tracks (mine included!). I am waiting in the wings with 1592 - can anyone help us get there? Bump!

 

I am stuck until early 1500 something...

 

Thanks for the post, PaddyB! I was just reaching the end of my rope; probably minutes before I pleaded again - but then you stepped in!

I'm out until 1594.

 

I have a 1596 and 7 but no 1598.

 

Just got home from cutting grass all day in the heat

BUT.....I can help! I have an oldie and a goodie from 1598

AV 5 Dukaten 1598 Prague Mint
Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II

 

You the man!

 

Thanks! I have 40 dated coins from 1500-99, so I will be of help for the Renaissance Period
John

 

I second coin_nut's "You the man!" with a "U da man, panzerman!" That is certainly a "goodie." Quite an understatement, in my book. Simply beautiful!

 

1597 Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel Thaler Goslar Mint.

Obverse: Inscription, date in a circle, titles of Heinrich Julius
Obverse Inscription: RECTE / FACIENDO / NEMINEM / TIMEAS /
Reverse: Facing figure of Veritas in a circle, a border of 11 small shields of arms, horse crest at the top

Note: Dav.#9091. Truth Thaler.

Composition: Silver

 

1596 Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel Thaler

Obverse: 9-fold arms with central shield, 3 helmets above, wildman at right, titles of Heinrich Julius
Reverse: Date divided around Victory holding wreath flying left above lion passant left, double margin legends

Ruler: Heinrich Julius
Note: Dav.#9090. Falsehood Thaler.

Composition: Silver

 

Any idea about the meaning of "Falsehood Thaler"? I do not know and my curiosity will probably kill me some day . . . .