Johan George I, keurvorst van Saksen 1614

This silver coin portraying Johan George I, Elector of Saxony, was created by an anonymous artist. While seemingly just a portrait, this coin speaks volumes about the social and political landscape of its time. Coins, beyond their economic function, were powerful tools for disseminating images of authority and reinforcing social hierarchies. Made in Saxony, the coin reflects the complex political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire. The imagery, with its Latin inscription and heraldic symbols, emphasizes the divine right of rulers and the importance of lineage. Its existence is tied to the institutions of power: the Saxon court, the mint, and the network of trade and diplomacy that sustained the electorate. To fully understand this coin, we turn to archival documents, genealogical records, and numismatic studies. This helps us to better understand the coin's role in shaping public perception and legitimizing power.