Lot 2204

Description

Germany, Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel, Friedrich Ulrich, (1613-1643) two thaler, 1618 (counterstamped 2 on reverse)(70mm; 56.72g), Clausthal Mint, HS (Henning Schreiber), obv. Duke Friedrich Ulrich on horseback to the right, his left hand to the rein and his right holding a sceptre or staff whilst attired in court dress with flowing robe, rev. arms of the Duchy of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel flanked on either side by a Wildman with plumed head-dress each holding an uprooted fir tree (KM.83, Dav.LS41). Lightly toned, nearly very fine and rare.

Ex Decades Collection.

The wild man is said to have held immense fascination and to have been immortalised through the rich folklore of many areas, but particularly those associated with silver mining and hence his appearance as the principal device of silver coins of Brunswick minted since 1539.