Saxony-Weimar
Johann Ernst and 7 brothers (1605-1619), Thaler 1617, Saalfeld mint
Johann Ernst, Friedrich VII, Wilhelm IV, Albrecht II, Johann Friedrich, Ernst III, Friedrich Wilhelm, Bernhard
Obverse: Johann Ernst standing facing right, surrounded by his six younger brothers
D G IOH ERN IVN DVX SAX IV CL ET M SVO ET TVT NOM
Reverse: complex coat-of-arms garnished with six helmets bearing ornate crests; date across field
FRID WILH ALBERT IO FRID ERN FRID WILH ET BERN FF
Weight 28.93 g
Born as the eldest son of Johann, Duke of Saxe-Weimar and Dorothea Maria of Anhalt, during his first years, Johann Ernst had a tutor and arms master, Matt of Johan. His father died on 18 July 1605, leaving the duchy under the governance of a regent. In 1613-1614, Johann and his brothers, with his guardians, took a tour of France, Great Britain and the Netherlands as part of their studies. In 1615 Johann Ernst reached adulthood and took control of his duchy and the guardianship of his under-age younger brothers. In 1620 Johann Ernst served under Frederick V, Elector Palatine, the famous Winter King. After his defeat in the Battle of White Mountain on 8 November 1620, the duke refused to submit to the Emperor without conditions. As a punishment, he lost his estates and the guardianship of his brothers.
