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1/2 Thaler Centenary of the Reformation
| Issuer | City of Worms |
|---|---|
| Year | 1617 |
| Type | Commemorative circulation coin |
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| Reverse description | Central composition features an open Bible with the word BIBLIA inscribed across the open pages, divided by the stem of a lit candlestick rising above it, the flame crowned by radiating rays. A hand descending from clouds at upper left holds the candle, symbolizing divine illumination of Scripture. Flanking decorative elements including foliage and symbolic motifs fill the field, while the date 1617 is encoded within the surrounding Latin chronogram legend. The encircling inscription runs continuously around the border of the field. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Worms issued this piece specifically to mark the centenary of Luther's posting of the Ninety-Five Theses in 1517 — an event the city had particular reason to commemorate, having hosted the Imperial Diet of 1521 where Luther refused to recant before Charles V. The 1617 centenary was observed across Protestant Germany with a wave of medal and coin issues, making this one of dozens of commemorative strikes from that year, but Worms carried more symbolic weight than most issuing authorities.
The half-thaler weight places it in a denomination practical enough to circulate but substantial enough for presentation use.