Double-headed Crowned Eagle on the Pillars of Hercules [reverse] 1542

This 1542 silver medal, "Double-headed Crowned Eagle on the Pillars of Hercules [reverse]" by Ludwig Neufahrer, depicts a crowned double-headed eagle perched atop two pillars, a symbol of the Pillars of Hercules, the ancient name for the Strait of Gibraltar. The inscription around the edge of the medal likely refers to the Emperor Charles V and his reign. The medal's intricate detail and high relief showcase the Renaissance artist's mastery of metalworking, while also reflecting the imperial power of the time.