Gnadenpfennig der Brüder Herzog Wilhelm V., Ferdinand und Ernst

Staatliche Münzsammlung München

Description

Obverse: centrally set gold medal with two medals to be inserted. The frame is enamelled with a floral pattern and hangs on three chains which are attached to the gold setting of a gemstone (tourmaline?). A pearl is attached to the bottom of the setting.

Reverse: Inscription “A E I - O V”; central gold medal with two medals inserted. The frame is enamelled with a floral pattern and hangs on three chains attached to the gold setting of a gemstone (tourmaline?). The reverse bears the enamelled Bindenschild (shield of the Babenberg family) and the inscription. A pearl is attached to the bottom of the setting.

After the death of Duke Albert V, the future of the Bavarian dynasty rested on the three surviving sons: Duke William IV, Ferdinand, the founder of the branch of the counts of Wartenberg and Ernest who later became archbishop of Cologne. In this context, the present "Gnadenpfennig" has to be considered. Its main feature are the three individual medals which can be inserted in a joint setting. The central medal, firmly attached to this setting, depicts the youngest brother Ernest, while Duke William is portrayed on the medal which is to be placed on the front. The medal for the reverse bears the image of the middle brother Ferdinand. It can be assumed that such an elaborate work in several parts was given to a person of special rank. The exact date of creation of this gem is unknown, but the dating of the medal on Ferdinand means that it cannot have been made before 1583.