1/8 of a thaler (halfort) commemorating the solemn funeral of Hedwig of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, the widow of Prince Ulrich

In 1654, to commemorate the solemn funeral of Hedwig of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (1595-1650), widow of the Pomeranian Duke Ulrich, a small series of commemorative coins - thalers and half-orts - was struck in Szczecin. Their character resembles more that of medals or funeral tokens. The almost identical stamps of both denominations feature no image, and the legend reminds of an obituary providing information about the origin, title, dates of birth and death and burial. The central inscription on the front page emphasises the virtue and good deeds of the Duchess. According to her wishes, the Duchess was to be buried in the church of St. Nicholas in Szczecinek, but she was not buried there due to tardiness in preparing the tomb, the burial ceremony followed four years later in Darłowo. After Ulrich's death, Hedwig lived in Szczecinek from 1623 and is connected to the history of this town. Despite the hard times of the Thirty Years' War, she founded one of the first gymnasia in Pomerania and offered scholarships for the most talented students. She also cared for the poor and founded a hospital for them. The good memory of Hedwig continues to this day, with streets and institutions in Szczecinek being named after her. One legend has it that she wanders the streets of the town as the White Lady, and the reason for her eternal wandering is that her last wish - to be buried in Szczecinek - was not respected. Genowefa Horoszko