Germany, Saxony-Gotha, Johann Casimir and Johann Ernst II, Thaler Saalfeld 1597

Johann Casimir and Johann Ernst (1572-1633), Taler 1597, Saalfeld mint

Obverse: armored busts of Johann Casimir and Johann Ernst vis a vis

D G IOH CASI ET IOH ERNS FRA DVC ES SAXONI

Reverse: coat of arms of Saxony in a wreath of 12 coats of arms

Johann Casimir lived with his younger brother Johann Ernst and his mother at the court of his uncle Johann Wilhelm, who was the guardian of the children, in Weimar, and then in Eisenberg and Eisenberg. Only after the death of Elector Augustus of Saxony on February 11 1586, did Prince Johann Casimir at the age of 22, together with his brother Johann Ernst, take over the rule of their principality. In 1596, the Duchy of Saxony-Eisenach was established for Johann Ernst and Casimir ruled alone in Coburg. Johann Casimir managed to politically subordinate the imperial knighthood, ensuring him jurisdiction over their estates. After the death of childless Johann Casimir on July 16 1633, both areas of the principality were reunited under the leadership of Johann Ernst as the Duchy of Saxony-Coburg-Eisenach. From 1577, Johann Casimir and Johann Ernst struck the so-called Eintrachtstaler, i.e. common minting, the issuance of which continued until 1633 even after their separation. From 1612, coats of arms began to appear on the jointly minted coins of the princes.