1 Thaler - Rudolph August and Anthony Ulrich Death

Historical Context: This 1687 1 Thaler from the Duchy of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern commemorates the death of Anna Sophia, Princess of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, mother to the joint rulers Rudolph August and Anthony Ulrich. Their co-regency, established in 1685, marked a stable period within the Holy Roman Empire. Issued during a time of dynastic and religious shifts, this thaler serves as a poignant memento mori, reflecting the era's focus on mortality and lineage, while asserting ducal authority through its prominent issuance.

Artistry: Executed in the prevailing Baroque style of late 17th-century German numismatics, the coin likely features conjoined or facing busts of Rudolph August and Anthony Ulrich on the obverse, rendered with characteristic detail. The substantial 47mm diameter allowed for an elaborate reverse design, probably depicting a funerary monument, allegorical figures of grief, or a complex armorial arrangement surrounded by commemorative inscriptions. The anonymous engraver would have aimed for a dignified and solemn aesthetic, typical for such memorial issues.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver to 28.98 grams, this thaler exhibits robust craftsmanship. Key high-points susceptible to wear include the highest relief areas of the dukes' hair, noses, and intricate collar or armor details. On the reverse, monument elements, allegorical figures' faces, or fine heraldry lines would show earliest friction. Technical strike qualities often reveal minor planchet imperfections or slight weakness in central design elements, common for large-diameter, hand-struck issues, though generally well-executed for ducal issues.