A Silver Quarter Taler of the Imperial Vicariate
Struck at Dresden in 1657, this silver quarter Taler was issued under Johann Georg II, Elector of Saxony, during the Imperial Vicariate that followed the death of Emperor Ferdinand III.
During an imperial interregnum, the Elector of Saxony exercised vicariate authority in parts of the Holy Roman Empire until the election of a new emperor. Special coins were struck to commemorate and proclaim this temporary constitutional role.
The obverse depicts Johann Georg II riding to the right in electoral dress, holding the ceremonial sword over his shoulder. Beneath the horse appears the Saxon coat of arms, emphasizing both his dynastic authority and his position as Imperial Arch-Marshal.
The reverse carries a formal inscription arranged in twelve lines, recording the elector’s titles and his exercise of imperial vicariate authority.
This denomination is a smaller and more accessible version of the celebrated Saxon Vicariate Talers, while retaining the same historically important equestrian design.
Germany – Electorate of Saxony
Johann Georg II, 1656–1680
Dresden Mint
AR ¼ Taler, 1657
Imperial Vicariate issue
7.26 g
Kohl 271
Condition: Very Fine–Extremely Fine
Cleaned; traces of a former mount; fields smoothed/polished
Provenance: Ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils, Auction 165