Rudolf II (1576-1612), Thaler 1602, Kremnitz mint
Obverse: bust facing right
RVDOL II D G RO IM S AV GER HVN BO REX
Reverse: Double-headed eagle under the crown, on its sides the letters KB
ARCHIDVX AVS DVX BVRG MAR MORA
Weight 27.89 g
Rudolph was a great sponsor of the arts and sciences, but was generally a weak ruler and, at least in recent years, was de facto unable to rule. His inaction contributed to the aggravation of the crisis in the Empire. Archduke Matthew and other members of the Habsburg dynasty finally turned openly against Rudolph and gradually relinquished their positions.
