Die by Peter Flötner, model of cast by Christian Weidnitz
Obv.Bearded bust r.
Rev.Coat of arms with three helmets
Additional product information
Origin
Roman German Empire
Grading
VF
Additional specifications
very rare, old cast, rim slightly tooled
Diameter: 41mm
Material
Silver
Full weight
38.85g
Literature
Mers.-- zu 600; Engelh. --
George (1471-1539) was the eldest son of Albert the Bold, the Duke of Saxony and the founder of the Albertine line of the House of Wettin and his wife Princess Sidonie of Bohemia. In 1496 George married Princess Barbara of Poland, with whom he had five sons and five daughters. The celebration of the marriage was a pompous affair: 6286 German and Polish nobles are said to have been present as guests.
In 1500 George took over the regency over the Duchy of Saxony. His rule was primarily concerned with the prevention of the Reformation in his lands. He joined the Dessau Confederation in 1525 with other North German, Catholic princes for this reason, but it was granted only a short and less productive life.
After 38 years of marriage Barbara died in 1534 at the age of 56 years. George let his beard grow as a sign of his grief and thus came to his nickname: the Bearded. He himself died five years later and found his last resting place next to his wife in Meissen Cathedral.