Rare double thaler struck at the Dresden mint under Elector John George II (1656–1680), commemorating the laying of the foundation stone for the chapel at Moritzburg Castle.
A commemorative issue, made of high-grade silver, featuring rich religious and dynastic symbolism that emphasizes the strong link between power, faith, and tradition.
This coin belongs to the group of commemorative medals in the form of double thalers, which were representative rather than circulation pieces. Due to their low mintage and special circumstances of issue, they are today highly sought after by collectors, combining minting artistry with historical testimony.
An extremely fine example with natural luster and an attractive old cabinet patina.
A unique opportunity to acquire an exceptionally rare double thaler of great historical and artistic importance.
Obverse: richly decorated obelisk topped with a shield bearing the monogram of John George II, placed on a crossed sword and palm, surmounted by an ornate helmet with a jewel, above the Eye of Providence, pedestal decorated with the all-seeing eye, flowers at the base, on the left a crowned Bible depicting Moses’ serpent and the Crucifixion, on the right under a crown two crossed swords, on the sides SURSUM DEORSUM, and at the very top a cartouche with a Hebrew inscription PRO FIDE ET PATRIA.
Reverse: orb of sovereignty flanked by two rosettes, below a 12-line inscription:
NUMM IN / AUGUR IN MEMOR / TEMPLI AD ARCEM / MORITZBURG INSTI / TUTO SERENISS D D / IOHANNIS GEORGII II / ELECT SAX EXTRUCTI / CUSUS ET IPSA ELECTO / RIS MANU LAPIDI AN / GULARI IMPOSIT9 / D 1 NOVEMB Ao / M DC LXI / acorn.
Diameter 65 mm, weight 57.80 g.
John George II, from the Wettin dynasty, succeeded his father in 1656 as Elector of Saxony. His reign came during the rebuilding period after the devastations of the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). Saxony held considerable weight in the politics of the Holy Roman Empire, and John George II became renowned for his magnificence and cultural patronage.
He was a ruler with a taste for pageantry and the arts – Dresden became a center of music and theater under his patronage, laying the groundwork for the later cultural flourishing under Augustus the Strong.
Religion was also a cornerstone of his rule. His motto, “Pro Fide et Patria” (“For Faith and Fatherland”), reflected his dual responsibilities to both Church and state. One of his significant projects was the enhancement of the Moritzburg hunting lodge, including the construction of a new chapel, symbolizing dynastic splendor and divine favor.
The double taler of 1661 commemorates the laying of the foundation stone for this chapel, personally carried out by the Elector.
