Файл:Klappmützentaler 64312.jpg

Germany, Saxony, Ernestine Line. Friedrich the Wise (1486-1525), with Johann the Steadfast and George the Bearded.

AR Guldengroschen or Klappmützenthaler (41mm, 28.86 g). Struck circa 1508-1525.

Bust of Friedrich right, holding sword, with four shields in legend around

Confronted busts of Johann and George.

Davenport 9709.

This is the first coin of dollar size to be struck in reasonably large quantity. The name "thaler" was not applied to coins of this size until about 1518. Friedrich the Wise was the first ruler of modern Saxony. He founded the University of Wittenburg in 1502. In 1508 he appointed Martin Luther to a professorship in Philosophy. Later on, Friedrich was instrumental in protecting Luther from the wrath of the church and the empire by refusing to enforce the Papal bull which required Luther's writings be burned and the reformer be sent to Rome. When, in 1521, Luther was placed under the imperial ban by the diet at Worms, Friedrich had him brought to his castle for protection.