| Obverse description | Ornate shield of city arms with pointed bottom divides date. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | MON: NO: CIVITATIS: KAVFBEIRENSI(S). |
| Reverse description | Larger 1/2-length crowned and armored figure of emperor to right, holding scepter over right shoulder. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | CAROLVS. V. ROMA. IMP(E). SEMP(ER). AVGV(S). |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1543 - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1919978520 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This 1543 Thaler from Kaufbeuren embodies the economic autonomy of a Free Imperial City within the Holy Roman Empire during the mid-16th century. Minted under Emperor Charles V, a period of Reformation and political flux, this coin was a crucial instrument of commerce and a declaration of Kaufbeuren's sovereign minting rights. The Thaler, a robust silver denomination, facilitated trade across Central Europe, highlighting the city's importance in regional and imperial economic networks.
Artistry: The engraver of this Thaler remains anonymous, typical for municipal coinage of the German Renaissance. Stylistically, it reflects the era's robust heraldic traditions, blending late Gothic precision with emerging Renaissance elements. The obverse features Kaufbeuren's detailed city arms, often depicting a gate or tower. The reverse prominently displays the Imperial Double Eagle, symbolizing the city's direct allegiance to the Holy Roman Emperor and its Reichsstadt status.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial 41mm silver flan, this Thaler's high-points for wear and strike quality include the central elements of the city arms, like the gateway, and the Imperial Eagle's heads, wings, and scepter/orb. Manual striking processes often resulted in variations, leading to peripheral legend weakness or slight off-centering