The coinage that we collect is often filled with symbolism, reflecting the times in which they were produced. The "Willow Thaler" of Hesse-Kassel is one such example. Hesse-Kassel, 1618, within the Holy Roman Empire. Wilhelm V, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel (1627-1637), ascended to his throne in the midst of one of Europe's bloodiest conflicts, The Thirty Years War (1618-1648), with the landgraviate in a state of financial crisis. One of his first orders of business was to stabilize the coinage, which, under "Kipper und Wipper" (German: Kipper- und Wipperzeit, literally "Tipper and See-saw time") became highly debased as a result of the financial crisis brought about the conflict. Part of this effort to restore the coinage of Hesse-Kassel was the issuance of a series of thalers from 1629 to 1635. Because of the depiction of the willow tree on the reverse, these thalers became known as willow (weidenbaum) or storm thalers. These thalers continued to be struck following his reign. The willow tree on the reverse is bending from the winds and lightening of war. At the same time the sun rays of Jehovah are descending on it. This is a reference, I believe, to Hesse-Kassel's endurance of the vicissitudes brought about by the war, with the benediction of God. Given the religious overlay to the conflict, this sort of symbolism is not unusual for that time, and can be found on other coinage. Obverse: Hessian arms in 5-fold oval. The date 1630 in the upper fields and a TS monogram in the lower right field. Legend: WILHELMIIS.D:G:LANDGRAVIIS.HASSIAE.COM:IN C D:Z:E:N Reverse: Willow tree a in storm, town in background., Jehovah and rays above. Legend: DEO VOLENTE HUMILIS LEVABOR KM 115 28.8 grams From Worldwide Coins of California, late 1980s. In 1635 Wilhelm V formed an alliance with France against the Empire, which prompted an invasion by the Imperial forces and creating another financial crisis. Subsequently, he was declared an an "enemy of the Empire" and replaced by his cousin George to administer the estates. In the end Wilhelm was forced to escape from Hesse-Kassel, dying in exile in 1637 as the landgraviate came under military occupation.
Excellent post. Coins like this are pretty much out of reach for me, but it's great to see them on CT.
