The Aachen Judenmedaille was a compulsory payment token imposed on the city's Jewish community, purchased at face value as the price of entry for the annual cloth market. Aachen's Jews were otherwise barred from permanent residence — the medallion bought temporary commercial access, nothing more. The 1619 issue falls during a particularly turbulent moment for the city, which was embroiled in a bitter confessional conflict between its Catholic and Protestant factions that ultimately drew Imperial intervention and the suspension of the city council.
Menadier documented several die variants across the series. The .986 fineness is notably high even by ducat standards.
The Aachen Judenmedaille was a compulsory payment token imposed on the city's Jewish community, purchased at face value as the price of entry for the annual cloth market. Aachen's Jews were otherwise barred from permanent residence — the medallion bought temporary commercial access, nothing more. The 1619 issue falls during a particularly turbulent moment for the city, which was embroiled in a bitter confessional conflict between its Catholic and Protestant factions that ultimately drew Imperial intervention and the suspension of the city council.
Menadier documented several die variants across the series. The .986 fineness is notably high even by ducat standards.