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24 Mariengroschen (2/3 Thaler) Principality of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel 1697 Composition: Silver Weight: 13.02g Diameter: 36.5mm Thickness: 1.9mm Rudolph Augustus & Anthony Ulrich House: Welf Rudolph Born 1627 - Died 1704 | Anthony Born 1633 - Died 1714 |
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The obverse of this coin features a Wild Man. According to legend, miners in the Harz Mountains of Germany encountered a "Wild Man" in 1529. The wild man was described as being coverd in hair, wearing only leaves and a moss cap. He wielded an uprooted fir tree as a weapon. The wild man was hunted and captured, he later died from his wounds before he could be brought to the Duke of Brunswick. Large silver deposits were discovered where the wild man was captured, in West Harz. The town of "Wildemann" was founded at this location in 1529. Depictions of the "Wild Man" can be found on German coins from the 1500s - 1800s. |
The reverse of this coin displays the value of 24 Marien Groschen (St Mary's Groschen). One Marien Groschen = 1/36 of a Thaler | 24 Marien Groschen = 2/3 Thaler. |