Thaler

The rapid economic growth of Western Europe in the second half of the 15th century made it necessary to introduce a new silver coin, which could replace the penny, minted since the mid-13th century, which was relegated to the rank of a petty coin. After years of trials, in the early 16th century, the Reich minted a thaler, that quickly spread throughout Europe. Its creators intended the thaler to be worth the same as the gold Rhine guilder, which is why the new coin minted in 1519 in Joachimsthal (Bohemia) was originally called Joahimsthalergulden. The thaler had a large surface area, perfectly suited to display the image of the issuer, elaborate titles and coats of arms. In a short time the minting of thalers also became a matter of prestige. The coins minted in the 16th century usually depict the reigning monarchs in Renaissance garb. As the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants intensified, images of rulers in armour and with military attributes began to appear on coins, in particular in the early 17th century, during the so-called Thirty Years' War. The thaler of Joachim Ernest (1583-1625), Margrave of the Duchy of Brandenburg-Ansbach, who supported the so-called Protestant Union in 1608, also fits with this military style. The ruler was depicted as a leader and warrior, wearing a plate armour, with a regiment baton in his hand. Interestingly, the coin was minted in 1621, the year the Union broke up. It was probably made earlier, since when Joachim Ernst was found responsible for starting a religious war within the Reich, he distanced himself from his former allies and dropped confrontation as a political tool. Still, this military design continued to appear on subsequent issues of thalers, although it was not so prominently displayed – all to convey a simple message: I want peace, but I am ready to fight.

Mieszko Pawłowski