Currencies/German schreckenberger
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Introduction
The Schreckenberger (also known as Engelgroschen) was a silver coin issued in Saxony and neighboring German states between 1498 and 1571. It was named after the St. Anne Mountain (Schreckenberg) near Annaberg, where rich silver deposits were discovered in the late 15th century. The coin became one of the most recognized regional currencies of early modern Germany.
History
The Schreckenberger was first minted in 1498 following the discovery of silver at Schreckenberg, near the newly founded mining town of Annaberg in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains). Elector Frederick III of Saxony and his successors established mints to take advantage of the booming silver trade. The coin’s circulation spread rapidly through Saxony, Bohemia, and parts of Thuringia, due to its consistent weight and purity.
During the 16th century, the Schreckenberger gained popularity under the name Engelgroschen (“Angel groschen”) because of the angel depicted on one side. Its reputation for high silver content made it widely accepted in trade across Central Europe.
By the late 1500s, as minting standards evolved, the coin was gradually replaced by larger silver denominations such as the thaler.
Coins
The Schreckenberger was struck primarily in silver and varied slightly in weight and fineness over time. The obverse typically featured a standing angel holding the Saxon coat of arms or a shield, while the reverse displayed inscriptions denoting the issuing authority and date. Most issues came from the Annaberg Mint, though other Saxon mints later participated as silver output increased. The artistry and purity of the coins made them symbols of Saxony’s wealth during the 16th century.
Currency
The Schreckenberger functioned as a regional trade coin, valued at roughly one-third of a thaler. It circulated alongside other groschen-based coinages and was often used for commercial transactions, taxes, and mining payments. Its stability and broad acceptance helped establish Saxony’s reputation as a leading center of coin production during the early modern period.
Legacy
The Schreckenberger stands as an emblem of the Saxon silver boom and the economic rise of the Ore Mountains. Its popularity helped pave the way for the introduction of the Joachimsthaler, the ancestor of the modern dollar. Today, Schreckenberger coins are prized collectibles for their detailed craftsmanship and historical significance.