GERMANY. Pfalz. Friedrich II (1505-1556). Silver Taler, 1548. Neumarkt mint. Facing half figure holding sword and orb. Rev. Helmet over three arms, date divided below (Dav 9627).
In 1544, after serving as a commander under the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I, Friedrich II succeeded his brother as Count Palatine and Elector of the Palatinate. His reign was deeply troubled by the religious upheavals of the Reformation. In 1546, after accepting the Protestant doctrines advanced by Martin Luther, Friedrich II attempted to reform the University of Heidelberg (an old Catholic institution) along Lutheran lines. He was strongly opposed by the university and found himself outlawed by Emperor Charles V. Friedrich II only managed to save his titles and possessions by renouncing his Lutheran convictions and offering full submission to the Emperor.
The obverse of the present thaler, struck just after he was restored to the good graces of the Emperor, depicts Friedrich II in his wearing a bonnet and carrying a sword, representing his status as Count Palatine and Elector of the Palatinate. He also carries an orb, symbolizing his position as Arch-Seneschal of the Holy Roman Empire. Friedrich II possessed this high Imperial office by virtue of his reign as Elector of the Palatinate. In addition, he wears around his neck the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece, an Imperial chivalric honor awarded to him in 1516. The reverse features the triple-arms of Friederich II: on the left the arms of the Palatinate, on the right the arms of Bavaria, and below the arms of the Arch-Senechal of the Holy Roman Empire. Condition: Very fine.
Weight: 28.63 g.
Diameter: 41 mm