2 Thalers - Wolfgang II Death

Wolfgang II, Count of Barby and Mühlingen, died in 1615 without a male heir, effectively ending the Barby comital line. The county subsequently passed through inheritance disputes before falling to Brandenburg. Death thalers of this type — struck not as currency but as commemorative memorial pieces distributed among noble recipients — were produced in limited quantities almost immediately after a ruler's death, which is why so few show meaningful circulation wear.

The double-thaler format was the prestige choice for such occasions, its substantial silver content making it a fitting gift for peers and allies of the deceased. At roughly 58 grams, these were never intended for a merchant's purse.