1644 Saxony Medal PCGS MS-61

This exceptionally rare 1644 Silver Saxony Medal, certified by PCGS in Mint State-61, is a historical masterpiece reflecting Saxony’s turbulent past during the Thirty Years' War.  To date, this is the only example ever certified by PCGS in any condition!

Obverse:
The medal features a crossed spade and sword beneath an open Bible inscribed with a Latin verse. A Communion chalice rests atop the Bible, with the Communion Host suspended above. A radiant sun with the "IHS" Christogram (Iesus Hominum Salvator) shines at the top, framed by palm branches, with a wheat field on the right and an oval shield on the left. The Latin legend reads “STRENA AUSPICII ANNI CHRISTI DICATA” ("New Year’s Gift of the Auspices of Christ Dedicated"), dated “M.DCXXXXIIII” (1644).

Reverse:
A radiant triangle bearing the Hebrew name for God, “Jehovah,” symbolizes divine protection. Surrounding legends in German translate to “God Grant Peace and Happiness to the Land” and “Salvation to All Estates.” Two crossed palm branches and a rosette divide the inscriptions.

This medal likely commemorates hopes for peace in war-torn Saxony under Elector John George I, whose reign saw fierce conflicts during the Protestant Reformation. Available now at Austin Rare Coins & Bullion, this remarkable piece offers deep historical and numismatic significance.