Rare issue struck in memory of Anna Sophie of Denmark (1647–1717), widow of Elector John George III of Saxony and mother of Augustus II the Strong, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony. This taler was commissioned by Augustus II the Strong as a lasting memorial to his late mother.
Owing to its high denomination and the impressive allegorical design of the reverse, it is a highly desirable type among collectors of Saxon medals and Polonica.
The reverse inscription concludes with the remarkable motto ILLVSTRIS VIXIT, ILLVSTRIS NVNC VIVIT, ILLVSTRI FVNERE VT ILLVSTRETUR RENVIT (She lived in glory, she now lives in glory, and has no need of a splendid funeral to enhance her fame.)
A particularly interesting and highly sought-after type.
An exceptionally well-preserved specimen, graded with the second-highest certification in the NGC Census.
Only one example has been graded higher.
Obverse: a sailing ship, above it DEO DUCE, below PORTUM INVENIT / I G S (hook)
Reverse: under the crown the inscription in 14 lines
FRIDERICUS AUGUSTUS / REX POLON ET ELECTOR SAXON / MATRI DILECTISSIMÆ/ ANNÆ SOPHIÆ / PRINC HERED REG DAN / FLENSBURGI D 1 SEPT 1647 NATÆ / VIDUÆ ELECT SAXON / LICHTENBURGI D 1 IUL 1717 DENATÆ / QUÆ / ILLUSTRIS VIXIT, ILLUSTRIS NUNC VIVIT, / ILLUSTRI FUNERE UT ILLUSTRETUR / RENUIT / MONUMENTUM PERENNEF / F.F
