GERMANY. Hessen-Darmstadt. Ludwig X (I), 1790-1806. Medal 1790 (Tin, 37 mm, 18.36 g, 12 h), on the homage paid by the Jews of Hessen-Darmstadt upon his accession to the throne. By J. H. Boltschhauser. LUDOVICO / X. / HASSIAE LANDGR• / OPT•PRINCIPI• / PATRI PATR• / MDCCXC• in six lines within wreath. Rev. SERUS AD COELUM REDEAS• / IUDAEORUM HASS• / VOTA PUBLICA Female figure sacrificing at a tripod altar. Schütz 3207. Very rare. Light marks, otherwise, extremely fine.



Among the many eighteenth-century homage medals, those commemorating acts of homage by Jewish communities are particularly rare and sought after. This medal and the following example reflect the formal loyalty with which Jewish communities acknowledged new rulers upon their accession.

In Hesse-Darmstadt, Ludwig X’s accession raised hopes for reform. Yet that same year he imposed a special levy on the Jewish population, euphemistically termed a don gratuit (‘free gift’), although the payment was anything but voluntary. More substantial steps toward legal equality failed to materialize under his rule.