Livonia / Wenden / Riga Halbtalerklippe 1559 Livonian Order, Wilhelm von Fürstenberg (1557-1559) - Rare! NGC AU DETAILS

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Certification details

Certification number: 6648529-020

Grade: AU DETAILS

NGC collectible ID: 620303

Pedigree: (16.76g)

Nominal value: 1/2T

Mint Mark: GERMANY

Variety: KLIPPE - LIVONIAN ORDER

Year: 1559

Numismatic and Historic Article: Livonia / Wenden Halbtalerklippe 1559 – Livonian Order, Wilhelm von Fürstenberg

Introduction
The Livonia Halbtalerklippe of 1559 is a rare and fascinating coin that reflects a turbulent period in the history of Livonia and its neighboring states. Struck during the rule of Wilhelm von Fürstenberg, the last Grand Master of the Livonian Order, this coin offers a glimpse into the complex political and military struggles of the time. As one of the few surviving pieces from the Livonian Order, it stands as a testament to the region's precarious position on the eve of the Livonian War.

Description
This silver half-thaler is known as a Halbtalerklippe, a type of clipped coin, struck in 1559 during Wilhelm von Fürstenberg’s brief reign over the Livonian Order. The coin features a distinctive four-field coat of arms, with the date "59" prominently displayed. It was minted at the fortress of Wenden (modern-day Cēsis) in Livonia, the seat of the Livonian Order. Despite the ongoing military challenges, the coin is a reminder of the strength and heritage of the Livonian Order, with its clear heraldic symbols representing the unity of the region’s Christian and feudal powers.
The coin weighs 16.76 grams, a typical weight for such pieces during this era, and is cataloged under Haljak 363 (6R) and Neumann 274, indicative of its rarity and historical significance. Its near mint condition, graded NGC AU Details, is remarkable, though it shows minor wear typical for such a well-used piece.

Historical Context
In the 16th century, the Livonian Order, part of the broader Teutonic Order, was a military religious organization that had held sway over the region of Livonia (modern-day Latvia and Estonia) for centuries. However, by the mid-1500s, the Order’s power was on the decline, weakened by internal divisions and external pressures. The Livonian War (1558–1582), which began shortly after the coin's minting, was a direct result of Ivan IV's (Ivan the Terrible) expansionist ambitions.
In 1558, Russian forces under Ivan's command launched an invasion of Livonia, seeking control of the strategically important region that bordered the Baltic Sea. The Livonian Order, under Wilhelm von Fürstenberg, struggled to repel the invaders. Despite early resistance, the Order's fortresses fell one by one, with the region eventually succumbing to Russian and later Polish control.

Numismatic Details
The Halbtalerklippe of 1559 is a notable piece within the numismatic history of Livonia, both for its rarity and its connection to a pivotal moment in the region's political decline. Clipped coins, like this example, were often produced in times of crisis when the state faced financial difficulties, and the value of the coin was typically reduced by removing part of the metal to produce more currency. The four-field coat of arms on the obverse represents the combined authority of the Livonian Order, while the reverse features the date and mintmark, tying the coin to the year of its issue.
This coin is particularly important to collectors and historians due to its historical rarity. Cataloged as Haljak 363 (6R), it is one of the few surviving examples of this type, with only a small number of pieces believed to have been struck.

Cultural and Political Symbolism
The Halbtalerklippe is not only a piece of currency but also a cultural and political artifact. The Livonian Order, a religious-military order, was deeply tied to the Christianization of the Baltic region and the defense of Catholicism against Protestant and Orthodox forces. The coin’s symbols of authority reflect the Order’s role in this broader European conflict.
The minting of such a coin during a time of military defeat and political upheaval highlights the struggle for survival by the Livonian Order. The coin serves as a reminder of the Order's attempt to hold its ground against the expanding power of Tsar Ivan IV. The choice of Wenden as the minting location further emphasizes the Order’s stronghold in the region and the significance of Livonia as a battleground for larger European powers.

Conclusion
The 1559 Livonia / Wenden Halbtalerklippe is not just a rare numismatic artifact but also a powerful historical symbol of the Livonian Order’s final years. Struck during a period of intense military conflict and political disintegration, this coin represents the last flicker of an era when the Livonian Order tried to defend its sovereignty in the face of overwhelming odds. Today, it serves as a valuable piece of history, shedding light on the conflicts that shaped the region and the broader Baltic Sea area in the late 16th century. Its rarity, historical context, and numismatic significance make it a prized piece for collectors and historians alike.

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