Detail mince: Salzburg. Wolf Dietrich Von Raitenau (1587-1612) gold 8 Ducats 1594, Tower in storm with waves MS 62

Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau (1587–1612)

8 Ducats 1594 – "Tower Coinage" (Turmprägung) Grade: MS 62 | Condition: EF (Extremely Fine) | Weight: 27.84 g

Coin Description

• Obverse: WOLF : TEODORIC : ARCHIEP : SALISB : SED : AP : LEG :. Six-fold coat of arms under a legate's hat, flanked by the two patron saints St. Rupert and St. Virgil with their attributes.

• Reverse: IN DOMINO SPERANS NON INFIRMABOR 1594 (Hoping in the Lord, I shall not be weakened). A tower in crashing waves, buffeted by winds, with hail falling from clouds above.

• Reference: HZ 825.

Historical Context

The Vorarlberg family from which Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau descended possessed excellent connections to the highest church circles. His mother, Helena von Hohenems, was a niece of Pope Pius IV. Wolf Dietrich enjoyed a rapid career and was elected Archbishop of Salzburg at the age of 27. His reign marked an era of reform in both liturgy and civil administration, with Salzburg experiencing the height of princely absolutism.

Following initial harsh Counter-Reformation measures, which culminated in the expulsion of all Protestants from Salzburg in 1589, he eventually moved toward a policy of tolerance. Although ahead of his time in many respects, his impetuous nature often brought him into conflict with his contemporaries. An invasion of Berchtesgaden by Salzburg troops in October 1611 was answered by a Bavarian invasion of Salzburg. Wolf Dietrich was captured and kept in strict solitary confinement until his death in 1617 by his successor and nephew, Markus Sittikus von Hohenems—first at Hohenwerfen Fortress and then at Hohensalzburg Fortress. On the fortress wall, he etched a verse (destroyed by fire in 1931): "Much deceit is in the world – Do right and fear the lie. – Thus was I betrayed – I did right and was..."

Symbolism of the "Tower Coinage"

The tower in the stormy sea likely symbolizes the Archbishop's steadfastness and defensiveness in the struggle against the Turks, against whom he dispatched a troop contingent led by his brother to support Emperor Rudolf II. These "Tower" issues, produced in various gold and silver denominations, were likely used as gifts for soldiers. According to another interpretation, the tower is a symbol of the Catholic Church withstanding the threats of the Reformation.

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