Lot 2297

Description

Germany, Lubeck Bishopric, silver taler of 32 schilling, 1622, (28.61 g), obv. MONE. NOVA. LVBECENS, facing half length figure of St. John with lamb, city arms below divide date 16 22, rev. FERDINAND. II. D:G: RO: IMP: S: A, crowned imperial double headed eagle with orb on breast, (D.5449, KM.54). Uneven patination, edge flaw, otherwise nearly very fine, scarce.

Ex Alan Jordan Collection.

Lubeck, on the Baltic north-east of Hamburg, was an important trading centre from the twelfth century. It was made a free city of the Empire in 1226, with the right to mint its own coins, but was restricted for war service to the town itself. It had authority to alter the town's charter at the council's will, and it ultimately became the leading town of the Hanseatic League.