GERMANY. Empire. Defeat of Serbia and Montenegro Silver Medal, 1916. Lauer Mint in Nuremberg. PCGS SPECIMEN-65+ Gold Shield.
Zetz-4143. Diamter: 34 mm; Weight: 18.52 gms. By A. Hummel. Obverse: Uniformed bust of Oberbefehlshaber Hermann Freiherr Kövess von Kövessháza left; Reverse: Two-headed fire breathing dragon ( representing Serbia and Montenegro ) right, heads facing each other, being pierced by sword inscribed HABSBURG and bleeding from its wound. This stunning Gem features exceedingly prooflike surfaces, lightly frosted devices, and a strong golden-russet tone near the peripheries. VERY RARE and incredibly vibrant, and exceeded in the PCGS census by just a single specimen. Born in Timișoara in what is now Romania, Hermann Kövess von Kövessháza had a satisfactory career as an officer in the Austro-Hungarian army, and was close to retirement at the outset of World War. Tapped as a commander, he oversaw the successful Serbian campaign in which he captured Belgrade, followed by the Montenegrin campaign, subverting Montenegro. Toward the end of the war, Emperor Karl I, who had been serving as the Supreme Commander of the Austro-Hungarian forces, laid down his command in order not to surrender personally. In his stead, Hermann served as the final, ceremonial Oberbefehlshaber during the armistice and dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Estimate: $400.00- $600.00