Schulman b.v.
Auction 375 6 Apr 2023
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German States - 2 Thaler or Schautaler n.d. (1606-1619), Silver, HAMBURG Adoration of the Shepherds. Rev. Adoration of the Magi.Gaedechens 1535a; Dav. –; KM. E. 52.The Free Hanseatic city of Hamburg struck a extensive series of silver Christmas schautaler. Undated, there were issued between 1606 and 1619 and between 1635 to 1668 in various denomination ranging from a quarter thaler to two thalers. There is some discussion among scholars for what purpose these coins were utilized. While some historians have suggested that they were probably intended as Christmas gifts, others have postulation the notion that the prominent members of the city council simply wanted to promote their power and associate themselves with specific biblical symbols.
Regardless of which theory is true, what makes this particular schautaler stand out is its intricate iconography. Most later nativity thalers are executed in a rather crude style, often reflecting certain folk-art traditions. This mostly due to the fact most die cutters either were not interested in the nativity, preferring legends and farces above biblical tales, or did not have sufficient experience with sculptural rendering in higher reliefs. The medalist who prepared the dies for the schautaler on offer, on the other hand, was a master in visual storytelling, paying close attention to the figures involved in each scene. The design particularly shows the artist's skill in representing the human body and clothing: baby Jesus, for example, has the proportions of an infant and the drapery of Christ's followers match their worshipful pasture.
German schauthaler depicting the nativity are extremely rare, with most extant examples being mounted for wear as religious tokens. However, the 2 thaler on offer at Schulman is in immaculate condition, encapsulated and graded by NGC as MS 61, thus being highest graded example at the time of writing.54.23 g. NGC MS61
Regardless of which theory is true, what makes this particular schautaler stand out is its intricate iconography. Most later nativity thalers are executed in a rather crude style, often reflecting certain folk-art traditions. This mostly due to the fact most die cutters either were not interested in the nativity, preferring legends and farces above biblical tales, or did not have sufficient experience with sculptural rendering in higher reliefs. The medalist who prepared the dies for the schautaler on offer, on the other hand, was a master in visual storytelling, paying close attention to the figures involved in each scene. The design particularly shows the artist's skill in representing the human body and clothing: baby Jesus, for example, has the proportions of an infant and the drapery of Christ's followers match their worshipful pasture.
German schauthaler depicting the nativity are extremely rare, with most extant examples being mounted for wear as religious tokens. However, the 2 thaler on offer at Schulman is in immaculate condition, encapsulated and graded by NGC as MS 61, thus being highest graded example at the time of writing.54.23 g. NGC MS61