R 1530-01 (obverse)
From the Concordia Historical Institute Collection
Image by Daniel Harmelink
R 1530-01 (reverse)
From the Concordia Historical Institute Collection
Image by Daniel Harmelink
Artifact: Silver Half-Taler Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Death of Jan Hus
Size: 44.05 x 44.00 mm; 11.62 g
Date: 1530
Significance: Jan Hus was an early church reformer in Bohemia (area of what is now the Czech Republic). He was pronounced a heretic at the Council of Constance and burned at the stake on July 6, 1415. This medal was struck in Germany 115 years after Hus’ death. The date is significant because that was at the height of the Reformation in Germany. Hus’ earlier attempts at reform did not go unnoticed by Martin Luther and other sixteenth-century reformers as evidenced by this commemorative coin.
Medallist: Hieronymus Magdeburg
Obverse: Portrait of Jan Hus / John Huss in Talar with fur collar and doctor’s hat. Legend to either side: IOĀ / HVS Surrounding legend: CREDO • VNAM • ESSE • ECCLESIAM • SANCTAM • CATOLICAM •
Reverse: Full-figure Jan Hus with loincloth and paper heretic’s hat tied to stake at neck, elbows and lower legs. Legend to either side in two lines: CON / DEM // NA / TVR • Surrounding legend in two lines: NATO • 1415 • IO • HVS • / ANNO • A • CHRISTO • // CENTVM • REVOLVTIS • ANNIS • DEO • RESPVNDEBITIS • ET • MIHI •
Weight & Diameter: 11.62 g, 44.05 x 44.00 mm.
Catalog References: Juncker 39-41; Schlegel/Ebenezer pages 75-76 and table I:5; Kreußler page 74 and table 8:4; Goppel/Plum/Holler 82; Whiting 3; Schnell 421; Schlüter 36; Höhn 76 (2012):1606; Brozatus/Opitz 464
Click here to go to CHI’s new online exhibit, Jan Hus: Reformer, Confessor, Martyr.
