Reformation medal

1jester

I thought you'd enjoy looking at this medal/token I came across.

shirohniichan

That's a cool token. Now I need to get my Latin dictionary.

1jester

Shiroh, I'm glad you share my enthusiasm for the token. I can assure you that the Latin inscriptions are not in any way charitable to the Pope or the Catholic Church.

shirohniichan

Perverse Church _____ Diabolical Face?

1jester

I am not "professionally" schooled in Latin, but my best guess is:

Obverse: The corrupt Church carries out the work of the devil.

Reverse: Always impairing the knowledge of truth.
Always mocking/inhibiting wisdom.

Askari

Watch out Jester, or you'll end up having to co-author Shiroh's future book on Reformation medals!

lordmarcovan

<< <i>That's a cool token. Now I need to get my Latin dictionary. >>



Well, there is THIS...

(I just put that one in the "Useful Links" section of my eBay page.)

1jester

Askari, that's ok, I guess, if he gives me half of the royalties! And I just thought he was doing a research report. Actually I thought he'd want to offer to buy it for $7.65 million (it's unique, perhaps).

Rublevik

<< <i>I thought you'd enjoy looking at this medal/token I came across. >>



A fascinating piece - first one I've ever seen. I assume from the "854" that this is taken from an auction catalogue. What does the lot description say?

1jester

Rublevik, you're right, the scan comes from an auction catalog. It's listed under medals/tokens, and in the "Germany" section. The description only repeats the latin inscriptions and tells the diameter and weight of the token.

cacheman

INFORMATIONAL RESURRECTION

Jester, even though your image of this medal is no longer viewable I thought you might like to know that I ran into the listing for it:


"Germany, Naumburg. Anti-Papal satirical medal (1543). AR, 35 mm.
Double head of Pope and Devil. Reverse: Double head of Cardinal and
jester. Zak-408, Belli-1577. Circa 18th century cast"

Aethelred

I thought I posted in this thread way back in 2002?

cacheman

It's hell getting old, huh? I can't believe I remembered this thread and the medal...I can't even remember my phone number.

1jester

Cacheman, I bet your remember the phone number of your lawyer...

That's great info!! Thank you so much for helping clear up the mystery. Does your reference book have pictures? Does it say how rare the thing is?

cacheman

Joseph Lepczyk auction #54, Greater NY Numismatic Convention, New York City Sept 29-Oct 1 1983. Lot 1765. Described as a cleaned VF & estimated at $100+. I don't have the prices realized, so don't know if it sold or what it brought.

The lot description doesn't comment on rarity, but I think it is a reasonably rare piece. It's such a distinctive design I think I'd remember it if it turned up often, but maybe I just don't get the catalogs where it is offered. Sorry
my specialty.

1jester

I didn't think this medal was cast. But how can one be sure?

I'd guess my piece is also VF and cleaned. So I wonder if it's the same one??

Jester/clown/fool

cacheman

Send it to me for an "expert" opinion The price, of course, would be the piece itself...I like satiricals...heheh

cacheman

Here is the scan for the Joseph Lepczyk auction #54 catalog:

farthing

And then, of course, there is this version...

cacheman

okay, so which one is it Jester?

wybrit

Thought I'd bring this back, since jester is back to his "jester" icon.

You can still see the image on jester's challenge #26.

1jester

"okay, so which one is it Jester?" --Cacheman

Well, it's the Lepczyk auction type, as you can see, but mine is more worn than that particular token. It appears to me to be the exact same die, don't you think? Now I know mine is not unique; there's at least one other specimen extant.

I didn't know I'd missed all the commentary back in March--I've been in a sort of internet blackout since March. Thanks for all the useful comments, folks.