GERMANY. Lübeck. (Stadt). Taler 1537 (Silver, 42 mm, 28.00 g, 6 h), so-called 'Brömsentaler' ('Gadfly-taler' in German), third type. MONETA•CESAREÆ•CIVITATIS (gadfly) LVBECÆ15-37 Armored knight kneeling to left, holding sword in his right hand and shield with imperial eagle in his left. Rev. ✠ IMP:CAROLVS.V:CESARV3•NVLLI•SECVDVS• Draped bust of Karl V to right, wearing bonnet and Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Behrens 90a. Davenport 9398. Dummler 152. Schulten 1818. Very rare and with beautiful old cabinet toning. Areas of weakness and with light doubling and tiny scratches, otherwise, very fine.



The so-called 'Brömsentaler' of the Free Imperial City of Lübeck is regarded as one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance art on circulation coinage in Germany. Lübeck’s mayor Nikolaus Brömse (1472-1542) commissioned the Taler as a tribute to his sovereign, Emperor Karl V (1500-1558). By inserting a play on his name - a Bremse (‘gadfly’ in German) - into the reverse legend, the mayor immortalized himself on the coin and gave rise to its popular nickname.