An exceptionally impressive and interesting necklace composed of thirteen historic European coins, connected by means of links and chains. The composition consists of eleven silver THALERS and two 3-kreuzer coins, originating from various European states.
The coins represented include Polish, Austrian, German and French issues, reflecting several European mints and monetary systems. Among the coins incorporated into the necklace are a thaler of Augustus III of Poland, a vicariate thaler, as well as a Silesian thaler of Emperor Charles VI, a thaler of Emperor Leopold I, and issues of the Electorate of Bavaria and the Electorate of Saxony.
The composition is completed by two 3-kreuzer coins of Ferdinand I, likewise incorporated as decorative elements.
The coins were fitted with soldered or mechanically attached suspension loops and subsequently connected by a system of chains, forming an elaborate multi-element ornament. Some of the coins are additionally decorated with small movable pendants.
The use of historic silver coins as elements of jewellery has a long tradition, particularly in Central and South-Eastern Europe, where large silver coins were valued not only for their precious-metal content but also as a visible symbol of the owner’s wealth and status.
The present necklace represents an interesting combination of numismatics, historic jewellery and material culture, while its particular appeal lies in the diversity of the thalers employed, encompassing issues of several European states and rulers.
