Box Thaler (Schraubtaler). Munich, Germany. 17th century (after 1639). 

Obverse: Crowned arms of Bavaria and Pfalz, central orb within the order of the Golden Fleece and date at bottom, 1625 (Dav 6069, KM194). MAXIMIL. COM. PAL. RH. VT. BAV. D VX. S. R. I. ARCHIDAP. ET. ELECTOR. 

Reverse: Madonna and Christ child in glory, enthroned on a crescent in clouds with rays around, holding scepter and orb, 1639 (6079-81, KM263.x) CLYPEVS OMNIBVS IN TE SPERANTIBVS “A shield to all who hope in thee” (Psalms 18:31). 

This piece was created from two different silver coins dating 1625 and 1639 in honor of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I(1486-1519). It contains a period poem in a German calligraphic style with gold gilding on a paper disc. Created for a Schone Jungfrau - "Fair Maiden tell me, what is it that holds you back. Don't you want to give your heart to me. Give me your faithful heart in exchange for a pledge. So I can stay faithful to you. On that I raise my hand.”

42 mm.

Box thalers were a popular novelty in the 17th century German States. The coin would be separated and the two halves turned inside to allow for portraits, pastoral scenes or love notes.

*Hyperinflation banknote (before and after)designed by Bauhaus designer Herbert Bayer in 1923.