GERMANY. Johan Georg IV Elected Knight of the Garter Silver Medal, 1693. NGC AU Details--Obverse Graffiti.
Merseb-1310. By Martin Heinrich Omeis. Diameter: 44mm. Obverse: Uniformed bust of a bewigged Johan Georg facing right, perimeter legend JOH . GEORG . D . G . DVX . SAX . I . C . M . A . & . W . ELECT. above; signature O . F. in open armhole of bust; Reverse: Arms of Johan Georg IV as Elector of Saxony, surrounded by Order of the Garter; concentric perimeter legend * IUNGIMUR HOC SIGNO : QUO NON DISIUNGIMUR UNQUAM / SIC NOSTRA AETERNUM PECTORA IUNCTA MANENT. Born in 1668, Johan Georg IV succeeded to the position of Elector of Saxony in 1691 upon his father's death. In 1694, his mistress died in his arms from smallpox - from whence he was infected, subsequently dying some three weeks later. This medal displays medium argent with darker shades at the peripheries and within the design details of both obverse and reverse - emphasizing the considerable engraved detail. The noted graffiti is confined to small marks in the upper right field of the obverse and are not obtrusive. Very rare and attractive.
Margolis had a few rather overt interests in his collecting of medallic art. One such theme was that of medals pertaining to man's earliest pursuits to conquer the heavens in the form of ballooning. The European exploits of the late 18th century are contained here across many different country categories. Also quite noticeable was his interest in the medallic art of Jewish engravers, such as Jakob Abraham and his son, Abraham Abramson, among numerous others. Across this selection of medals, these themes and topics will become obvious, adding further dimensions to the already intense focus with which Margolis pursued his collecting.
From the Richard Margolis Collection.

Estimate: $1000.00 - $2000.00