Taler, noodmunt van Maurits van Saksen uit Leipzig, geslagen tijdens het beleg door Johan Frederik, keurvorst van Saksen. 1547

This is a 'noodmunt' or emergency coin, made from necessity during the siege of Leipzig. This particular coin was commissioned by Maurits van Saksen, during the siege by Johan Frederik. The siege of Leipzig was a critical point in the Schmalkaldic War. This conflict was rooted in religious and political tensions, as the Protestant Schmalkaldic League resisted the Catholic Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Coins like this one speak to the daily experience of war. It's a simple, almost brutal object, reflecting the disruption and scarcity that arise from conflict. The coin is a stark reminder of the material conditions and desperation people face when resources dwindle and daily life is upended. The local population had to use what was available to them, giving this piece a sense of urgency and immediacy. This coin’s very existence is a testament to human resilience. Despite being made under duress, it served a vital function, embodying both economic and social survival.