GERMANY. Nürnberg, Stadt. Medal 1526 (Silver, 41 mm, 30.65 g, 12 h), but from circa 1550-1590. On an unknown person, interpreted as Martin Luther (1483-1546). An original cast after a model by F. Hagenauer. Draped bust of an unknown person, interpreted as Martin Luther, to left, wearing ruff collar. Rev. Monogram of Albert Dürer; above, DML; below, 1526; all within triple circle. Habich 674. Schnell 7 (wood model). Extremely rare as an original cast in silver. A few faint scratches, otherwise, good very fine.



This medal represents one of the great mysteries in German Renaissance medallic art. The inscription DML on the reverse is interpreted as standing for D(octor) M(artin) L(uther), which led scholars to identify the obverse portrait as a likeness of Martin Luther himself. However, in 1929, G. Habich pointed out several inconsistencies in his seminal work on the subject. While the portrait may indeed depict a preacher, it bears little resemblance to known features of Luther. Additionally, the reverse inscription does not match the original design and appears to have been added a few years later (cf. G. Habich: Die Deutschen Schaumünzen des XVI. Jahrhunderts, Vol. I, p. 93).

Despite these alterations, there is little doubt - based on stylistic elements and known pieces - that the medal dated to the 16th century. In fact, the portrait is unmistakably the work of the gifted medallist F. Hagenauer (1499-1546).

The person who likely came closest to uncovering the medal’s true background is M. Ohm. He interprets it as a piece of Reformation propaganda dating from the late 16th century. The idea was to present the portrait of an unknown figure - someone who could plausibly be passed off to the public as Luther - alongside the initials DML and the signature of the already hugely popular A. Dürer (1471-1528). The intended message of this medal, then, was that the renowned artist Dürer sought to spread Luther’s teachings through his art (cf. Landesmuseum Württemberg, inv. no. MK 18496.).

Remarkably, this piece of propaganda succeeded for more than 300 years. As late as 1901, it was still widely accepted that the medal portrayed Luther (cf. Blätter für Münzfreunde, 1901, p. 163.).