Ter ere van Martin Luther 1533

Michael Hohenauer created this silver medal in 1533 in honor of Martin Luther. It was a period marked by religious conflict as Luther’s reforms challenged the Catholic Church’s authority and traditional views. This medal embodies the intense ideological battles of the Reformation. On one side, Luther’s profile is captured, marking him as a figure of intellectual and spiritual defiance, surrounded by inscriptions. The opposite side features Luther's seal: the Luther rose with the cross in the heart, a symbol he designed to represent his theology—a blend of faith, love, and hope. The medal served as a statement of religious and personal identity. It was a way to display allegiance to a movement which reshaped religious, social, and political landscapes. These keepsakes provided a tangible connection to the Reformation’s ideals and its charismatic leader. The medal not only commemorates Luther, it also reflects the socio-political tensions and the deep personal convictions of the people during this transformative period. It serves as a reminder of the courage required to challenge established norms and the power of symbols in shaping beliefs and identities.