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GERMANY, Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (duchy). Julius. 1568-1589. AR Taler – “Brillentaller” (42mm, 29.08 g, 3h). Goslar mint. Dated 14 June 1586. Coat-of-arms surmounted by three elaborately crested helmets / Wildman standing left, holding a lit candle and uprooted tree trunk; skull, hourglass, and spectacles hung from right arm. Ophthalmologia XI.83 (this coin illustrated); Welter 579; Davenport 9065. Lightly toned, areas of weak strike, a few flan flaws, traces of mount. VF.
From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Hess-Divo 266 (25 October 1995), lot 642.
“On the Brillentallers we find spectacles depicted along with a skull and an hourglass sand clock, which may signify the temporary nature of all earthly goods and encourage penitence and self-evaluation. The symbolism of the spectacles is unclear, but may signify that the Duke’s subjects should open their eyes and participate in the then raging battle between the Protestants and Catholics and, with the help of the spectacles, find the right camp.” Opthalmomogia p. 413
Collection : Wildman Coins of the German States