1 Thaler - August Conquest of Gotha

This thaler commemorates the forced submission of Gotha following the 1567 Grumbach Feud, one of the more dramatic episodes of mid-sixteenth century Imperial politics. Wilhelm von Grumbach, an outlawed Franconian knight, had manipulated the young and unstable Duke Johann Friedrich II of Saxony (Ernestine line) into sheltering him at Gotha despite an Imperial ban. Elector August of the Albertinian line led the Imperial siege that ended the standoff in April 1567. Grumbach was captured and executed with extraordinary brutality; Johann Friedrich was imprisoned for life.

The Albertinian Electors rarely missed an opportunity to commemorate military and political victories in silver, and this piece is no exception. Davenport's GT I listing reflects its recognition as a major taler type rather than a minor commemorative variant.