GERMANY. Sachsen-Ernestinische Linie. Sachsen-Gotha (Alt-Gotha). Johann Friedrich II, 1557-1565. Doppelter Schautaler (Silver, 49 mm, 57.90 g, 12 h), no date (circa 1560). + DEI*G*IOH*FRI*SEC*DVX*SAX*COMES*PRO*TVRINGIÆ*ET*M*MISNIE Draped bust of Friedrich II, wearing doublet, fur-trimmed coat, toque and livery collars, facing three-quarters to left. Rev. ✱ALLEIN✱EVANGELIVM✱ ✱IST•ONE✱VERLVST✱ Helmeted coat of arms. Habich -. Katz -, cf. 540 (Taler). Lanna -, cf. 880 (Taler). Löbbecke -, cf. 589 (Taler). Merseburger -, cf. 2924 (1 1/2 Taler). Tentzel -, cf. 16/I (Taler). Extremely rare. A wonderful and sharply struck piece in high relief with old cabinet toning. Minor flan faults on the obverse and edge, otherwise, good extremely fine.



Johann Friedrich II took over the administration of the Ernestine lands together with his brother, Johann Wilhelm (1530-1573), after the Battle of Mühlberg in 1547, during which their father, Elector Johann Friedrich the Magnanimous (1503-1554), was captured. Initially, he continued his father’s struggle against Emperor Charles V (1500-1558) but ultimately submitted to him. However, in 1566, he was outlawed by Emperor Maximilian II (1527-1576) and, after the capture of his residence city, Gotha, by the Albertine Elector August (1526-1586), was taken prisoner. He died in 1595 after 28 years of captivity.

Johann Friedrich II supported the French King Henry II (1519-1559) during his military campaigns in France. It is possible that he commissioned Schautaler, such as our specimen, in various sizes to honor distinguished military leaders during these campaigns. These remarkable pieces of Saxon numismatic history still raises many questions. To this day, it remains unclear who was responsible for the artistically refined design and where exactly these impressive coins were minted. The large number of later aftercasts of this type contrasts sharply with the extremely limited number of original struck examples, such as our piece.