AUSTRIA. Holy Roman Empire. Josef II, Emperor, 1765-1790. Medal 1781 (Silver, 45 mm, 29.24 g, 12 h), on the Patent of Toleration of 1781. By J. L. Oexlein. AMOR ET DELICIAE GENERIS HUMANI. Uniformed bust of Josef II to right, wearing order of the Golden Fleece. Rev. QVID POTVIT TOTA CONTINGERE VITA LAETIVS. Lower portion of an obelisk with inscription LIBERTAS / RELIGIONIS / A IOSEPHO II / IN TERRIS SVIS / PROTESTANTIBVS / ET IVDAEIS DATA / MDCCLXXXI in seven lines, figure standing at right observing the inscription; in the background, shrubs. Erlanger -. Julius 2775. Montenuovo -. Whiting 531 var. (tin). Rare in silver. Beautiful iridescent toning. Slightly stained and minor scratches on the obverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.



Emperor Josef II's Patent of Toleration of 1781 marked a major step toward religious reform in the Habsburg Monarchy. It granted Protestants and Orthodox Christians limited freedom of worship, the right to establish schools, and access to many civil professions and occupations previously reserved for Catholics. A further edict issued in 1782 (see lots 485 and 486 below) extended similar reforms to the Jewish population, granting them greater civil rights and easing a number of longstanding legal restrictions.

Although Catholicism remained the state religion and full religious equality was not yet achieved, these edicts significantly reduced legal discrimination against non-Catholics. Issued in the spirit of Enlightenment rationalism, they reflected Josef II's belief that a more tolerant and productive society would strengthen the state.