Gotha 1567 3 groschen
This specimen was lot 25005 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $2,280. The catalog description[1] noted,
"GERMANY. Grumbach Feud. Siege of Gotha. 3 Groschen, 1567. PCGS EF-40. Siege: 8 January - 13 April 1567. Irregular square flan with the arms of Elector of Saxony flanked by date (1-5/6-7), HHFGK above; Reverse: Raised denomination and monogram. This wholesome looking minor issue exhibits a good strike on a nicely made flan displaying attractive mottled gray patina with minor earthen deposits amongst the devices. The surfaces offer even wear with only minor marks or abrasions as one would expect from the grade. Pleasing to the eye, this small siege coin is attractive and original looking; certain to be a welcome addition to the next collection it enters.
Convinced of his right to the Electorate of Saxony, Johann Frederick II, under the false guidance of Wilhelm von Grumbach pursued his fathers claim to this title. Annoyed, the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximillian II, signed an imperial ban against Frederick II and demanded he turn Grumbach into the authorities. Forced by persistent refusal the Emperor authorized an imperial intervention and in late 1566 the city of Gotha was under siege. Eventually, Augustus, Elector of Saxony, who led the besieging forces was able to incite a mutiny ultimately claiming victory over the city and Grimmenstein castle on 13 April 1567. Later, many of the individuals involved were publicly executed by being quartered, hung or beheaded."
Wikipedia comments,
"Wilhelm von Grumbach (1 June 1503 – 18 April 1567) was a German adventurer, chiefly known through his connection with the so-called "Grumbach Feud" (German: Grumbachsche Händel), the last attempt of the Imperial Knights to prevail against the power of the territorial Princes of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1563 Grumbach attacked Würzburg, seized and plundered the city and compelled the chapter and the bishop to restore his lands. He was consequently placed under the imperial ban, but John Frederick II refused to obey the order of Emperor Maximilian II to withdraw his protection from him. In November 1566 John Frederick was placed under the imperial ban, which had been placed against Grumbach earlier in the year, and Augustus marched against Gotha. Resistance from the people of Gotha was not forthcoming, and a mutiny led to the defeat of the town. Grumbach was delivered to his foes, and after being tortured, was executed at Gotha on 18 April 1567."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 3.20 g. 19.1 mm x 18 mm.
Catalog reference: KM-MB19, Korchnak-232; Mailliet Supp.-pl 44 #2; MO-4.1.5.7.
- Korchnak, Lawrence C., Siege Coins of the World, 1453-1902, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, 2021.
- Nicol, N. Douglas, Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of German Coins, 1501-Present, 3rd ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2011.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The January 2023 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Taraszka Collection and the Mark and Dottie Salton Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
Link to:
- Saxe-Old-Gotha 1566 thaler Dav-9754 John Frederick II
- Saxony 1566-HB thaler Dav-9795 August I
- Saxony 1567-FF thaler Dav-9800 on August's capture of Gotha
- Coins and currency dated 1567