Mansfeld-Friedeburg-Vorderortlinie
Peter Ernst I, Bruno II, Gebhard VIII and Johann Georg IV (1587-1601), Thaler 1594 BM, Eisleben mint
Obverse: Crowned arms surmounted by two plumed helmets; above, double-lis dividing B-M
PETER ERN BRVNO GE HA G P
Reverse: St. George on horseback right, slaying dragon
COMI E DOMI I MAN SFE NOB D I H
Weight 28.57 g
Thalers minted at Mansfeld from 1521 were popularly known as St. George's thalers. They show the patron of the House of Mansfeld, Saint George on horseback, fighting a dragon. These thalers were believed to protect riders and soldiers due to the figure of Saint George, making them extremely sought after as protective amulets. They were later minted in a similar form by other mints, and eventually even produced and sold as pendants for amulets from a wide variety of metals.
