Poland, Jan III Sobieski, Battle of Vienna Medal 1683 – a rarity
Medal designed by Hans Jacob Worlab, struck in 1683 to commemorate the Battle of Vienna.
An extremely rare numismatic piece, impressive for its monumental size and medallic artistry.
Obverse:
Four rulers (from left: Emperor Leopold I, Elector Maximilian II Emanuel of Bavaria, Elector John George III of Saxony, and King John III Sobieski of Poland), allied in a victorious battle against the Turkish army, kneel in a prayer of thanksgiving to the radiant name of JESUS. On either side, the date 16–83 U; at the bottom, a crossed sword and a Polish saber. Below is the inscription: MAHUMED
In the border, the inscription: WANN DIESE HELDEN SIEGEN SO MUS DER TÜRK ERLIEGEN HUNGARN DER FRIED VERGNÜGEN (When these heroes triumph, the Turk must fall, and Hungary may enjoy peace).
Source:
A scene depicting the allied forces’ attack on the camp of the Turks besieging Vienna. Above, beneath a rainbow, the imperial eagle with a shield and a sword.
Inscription on the border: WIEN DAS ADLER NEST SICH FREUT DAS DER TURKEN HEER ZERSTREUT, DANCKE GOTT O’ CHRISTENHEIT (Vienna, the eagle’s nest rejoices that the Turkish army has been scattered; thank God, Christendom).
On the rim, the inscription reads: WIENN BEDENCKTE GOTTES GNAD – SO ER DIR ERWIESEN HAT – DANCKE IHM ALLZEIT FRÜE U SPATH (Vienna, remember God’s grace, which He has shown you. Give thanks to Him always, morning and evening.)
Condition: 2+
A superbly struck and well-preserved numismatic piece. Deep, three-dimensional relief. Impressive detail. Intense luster and mint mirror finish. An extremely rare medal, virtually unavailable on the collectors’ market. A beautiful piece to grace the finest collections.
We recommend
Metal: silver
Diameter 62 mm
Weight 85.34 g
References: Raczyński 227, Hutten-Czapski 2466 (R3), Hirsch 42, Slg. Montenuovo 901
