History of the Europe Taler

An emperor as the starting point: Exactly 500 years ago, in 1508, the Habsburger Maximilian I had himself proclaimed Emperor in Trent. He was unable to reach his actual destination of Rome, as the Venetians blocked his path. However, they were unable to prevent Maximilian from becoming the most powerful man in Europe. In order to enhance his new title, Maximilian, who had established a centre of power in Tyrol, ordered his mint in Hall to mint a propaganda taler celebrating himself as Emperor.

The minting of this, even for that time, exceptionally large silver taler (diameter of approx. 60 mm) served to spread Maximilian's fame throughout Europe. This also included the imagery of the taler, which on the front showed an equestrian Maximilian, and on the back numerous territorial emblems from his domain.

The caption reads: MAXIMILIANVS DEI GRA(tia) ROM(anorum) IMP(erator) SEMP(er) AVG(vstvs) ARCHIDVX AVSTRIE / PLVRIVMQ(ve) EVROPE PROVINCIAR(vm) REX ET PRINCEPS POTENTISIM(vs). Maximilian, by the grace of God Emperor of the Romans, expander of the empire at all times, Grand Duke of Austria, / King of many European countries and most powerful prince. This is the first time the word "Europe" was used on a coin.


Harmony of contrasts

Through action and interaction with the main object itself, the "presentation casket" should set accents as a storage and presentation object through the contrast of art and nature. Wood, as a living raw material, is highly suited to processing with contrasts. Made from wood from the Hasegg castle that is more than 500 years old, former "wooden beams" from the intermediate ceilings of historical rooms become presentation artworks.
The handling of the presentation caskets is carried out by the master wood turner Werner Nuding from Hall, who is also responsible for the reconstruction of the first and only cylindrical stamping press in the world.