1608 Half Thaler Johann Casimir and Johann Ernst

Who Were John Casimir and John Ernest? John Casimir, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and John Ernest, Duke of Saxe-Eisenach were brothers of the House of Wettin who jointly ruled the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Eisenach beginning in 1572. They governed together before later dividing their territories in 1596. All of the principal cities associated with Johann Casimir and Johann Ernst are in Germany today. Modern Locations Historical City Modern State Country Coburg Bavaria (Bayern) Germany Eisenach Thuringia (Thüringen) Germany Saalfeld Thuringia (Thüringen) Germany Gotha Thuringia (Thüringen) Germany Eisfeld Thuringia (Thüringen) Germany Then vs. Now When this coin was struck in 1608, Germany did not exist as a unified country. The area was part of the Holy Roman Empire, which consisted of hundreds of duchies, bishoprics, principalities, and free cities. Johann Casimir and Johann Ernst were rulers of one of these small states, known as Saxe-Coburg-Eisenach. Obverse The obverse shows the two ruling brothers facing one another: Johann Casimir (1572–1633) Johann Ernst (1570–1638) The Latin legend begins: D.G. IOH. CAS. ET IOH. ERN. DVCES SAX… which translates roughly: “By the Grace of God, Johann Casimir and Johann Ernst, Dukes of Saxony.” The style of the portraits, ruffs, and clothing is typical of German Renaissance coinage from the early 1600s. Reverse Your reverse is the key identifying feature. Date 1608 Large central Saxon shield Letter C on one side and O on the other, representing Coburg Ring of smaller heraldic shields around the center This design corresponds to the 1604–1612 Half Thaler series cataloged as KM-10 / Numista N#147283. Diameter: 34 mm Material: Silver-plated fine pewter