(sold for $147.0)

1587, Salzburg, Wolf Dietrich v. Raitenau. Large Silver Thaler Coin. Early Type!

Mint Place: Salzburg
Denomination: Thaler
Mint Period: 1587-1612
References: Davenport 8187, Probszt 825. R!
Ruler: Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. Archbishop, 1587-1612.
Condition: A scrape near rim at 10 o'clock, scratches in fields and a few edge hits, possibly cleaned long ago, otherwise about XF!
Diameter: 40mm
Weight: 28.45gm
Material: Silver

Obverse: Saint Rudbert, wearing episcopal regalia, seated on throne facing 3/4 left, holding salt cellar and crozier.
Legend: SANCTVS : RVDBERTVS : EPS : SALZBVRG :

Reverse: Legate´s hat above decorative tassle-terminated threads  above crossed long cross and crozier.
Legend: ° WOLF : TEOD : D : G : AREPS . SAL : AP : SE : LE ° - °

Saint Rupert, Salzburg’s patron saint, is featured on many coins issued by the city’s ecclesiastical rulers. Salzburg was built on the site of an ancient Celtic (and later, Roman) settlement. Rupert is believed to have founded the modern town around 700. He is commonly depicted holding a saltcellar, symbolic of the city’s valuable salt mines, which inspired the city’s modern name.

Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau was born near Bregenz. His interest in military matters is soon apparent, but his family intends that he should have a career in the church. At the age of only 11, he is appointed canon of the cathedral in Constance. In 1574 he begins his juridical studies in Pavia (Italy). Until 1581 he studies at the Collegium Germanicum in Rome. In 1578 he becomes canon of the cathedral in Salzburg. In 1587 the cathedral chapter appoints him prince archbishop of Salzburg. In 1588 he decrees a Mandate of Religion: all believers in another faith has to leave Salzburg. In 1588 he brings out the Ordinance of the Aulic Court, a new regulation of jurisdiction in the state of Salzburg, and begins the reconstruction of the cathedral quarter with the building of the new residential palace. More than 60 burgher houses are pulled down in the process. In 1591 Archbishop Wolf Dietrich issues a new Mining Ordinance. In 1592 in bringing out the Aulic Chancery Ordinance, he regulates the competencies of the archiepiscopal councils. In 1593 the new School Ordinance aims to consolidate education, especially in religion. In 1594 he pleads in the imperial diet in Regensburg for an effective war against the Turks. In 1595 Wolf Dietrich sells the Salzburg possessions in Styria. In 1598 the Romanesque cathedral catches fire. In 1605 he builds Altenau Palace for his mistress, Salome Alt, with whom he has 15 children. Later it is renamed Mirabell Palace In 1605 he appoints the Hermits of St Augustine to support the Counter-Reformation. In 1606 the “Eternal Statute” is resolved. No prince of the Bavarian or Austrian house may become archbishop of Salzburg. IN 1606 the total sovereign and princely possessions are reconstituted and re-evaluated. The rural population fears higher taxes; there is unrest in Pinzgau. In 1610 after plans by Vincenzo Scamozzi, the foundation stone for the cathedral is laid. In 1611 after disputes with Bavaria over the salt trade, Wolf Dietrich orders the military occupation of Berchtesgaden. As a result, Bavarian troops storm the archbishopric. Wolf Dietrich is captured when fleeing and interned in the Hohensalzburg castle. In 1612 Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau resigns as archbishop. His hopes of continuing his existence as a secular prince or free pensioner are not fulfilled. Salome Alt and their children are banned to Wels. In 1617 Wolf Dietrich dies in the Hohensalzburg castle and is buried in St. Sebastian’s graveyard in the chapel built by Elia Castello.

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