Rare thaler.
Stolberg-Königstein
Ludwig II (1535-1574), Thaler 1546, Nördlingen mint
Obverse: small arms in center of cross, 4 larger arms in angles
LVDOVIC CO I STOL KONIG RVPEFO
Reverse: crowned double headed eagle, shield on breast
CAROLVS V RO MA IMP AVG
Weight 28.28 g
Ludwig was appointed by his uncle, Count Eberhard IV Eppstein-Königstein, as his heir, and from 1527 he was also his co-regent. Emperor Charles V recognized the will in 1528, and the inheritance took place on May 25 1535. Louis had no male descendants other than Botho, who died in 1568. After Ludwig's death, the Königstein County was inherited by his youngest brother, Christoph, rector of Halberstadt Univeristy. The Stolbergers retained parts of the rule around Ortenberg and Gedern, as well as shares in Butzbach and Muenzenberg.