A Renaissance “Three Brothers” Silver Taler of Saxony
Struck at Dresden in 1595, this impressive silver Taler depicts the three Saxon brothers Christian II, Johann Georg I and August, members of the Albertine branch of the House of Wettin.
The obverse presents the facing half-length portraits of the three young brothers. Christian II, the eldest and future Elector of Saxony, appears prominently at the centre, accompanied by Johann Georg and August. The divided date 15–95 appears above the portraits.
The surrounding Latin legend identifies the three princes:
CHRISTIAN · IOHAN · GEORG · ET · AVGVSTVS
The reverse displays the elaborate multi-part coat of arms of Saxony beneath three richly decorated helmets. The mint master’s initials HB, representing Hans Biener, appear above the heraldic composition.
The reverse legend continues their titles:
FRATRES ET DVCES SAXONIAE
Brothers and Dukes of Saxony
Commonly known as the Dreibrüdertaler, or “Three Brothers Taler,” this type was struck while the young princes were under guardianship following the death of their father, Christian I. It is one of the most distinctive and historically appealing portrait Talers of Renaissance Saxony.
The coin retains an attractive old cabinet patina, with a visible darker spot on the obverse as noted in the auction description.
Germany – Electorate of Saxony
Christian II, Johann Georg I and August, 1591–1611
Dresden Mint
AR Taler, 1595 HB
29.23 g
Schnee 754; Davenport 9820
Condition: Very Fine–Extremely Fine
Attractive old patina; dark spot on the obverse
Provenance: Ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils, Auction 165