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1 Thaler - Johann Christian and Georg Rudolf
| Issuer | Duchy of Liegnitz-Brieg |
|---|---|
| Year | 1609-1610 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | Facing half-length portraits of the two co-ruling dukes, Johann Christian (left) and Georg Rudolf (right), each clad in distinct period armor with ornate detailing. The figures face one another in a formal, heraldic composition typical of early 17th-century German thalers. A circular Latin legend surrounds the portrait group, identifying the two rulers by name and title. The field between and around the figures is relatively plain, drawing focus to the contrasting armored effigies. The engraving style reflects the robust, detailed craftsmanship characteristic of Silesian minting of this period. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A large ornate oval cartouche displaying the quartered arms of Liegnitz-Brieg, incorporating the Silesian eagle and the chequered arms of Brieg, set against an elaborately mantled shield. Three crested helmets surmount the shield, the central one bearing a spread eagle, all rendered in high relief with richly scrolled mantling characteristic of the German Renaissance heraldic style. The encircling Latin legend names the ducal titles and concludes with the date of issue at the end of the inscription. The overall composition is dense and decorative, consistent with high-quality Silesian thaler coinage of the early 17th century. |
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| Additional information |
Johann Christian and Georg Rudolf were brothers ruling Liegnitz-Brieg jointly following the death of their father Joachim Friedrich in 1602, a co-rulership arrangement common among Silesian Piast dukes determined to avoid outright partition. The joint coinage this produced is chronologically tight — the brothers ruled together only until 1621, when the duchy was formally divided between them.
Silesia in 1609–1610 was already feeling the denominational pressures that would explode into the Kipper und Wipperzeit currency crisis within a decade. Thalers from this period and region were among the last struck to full weight before widespread debasement took hold across the German states.