Silver Reformation Commemorative Medal 1630, 100th Anniversary Of The Augsburg Confession

Silver Reformation Commemorative Medal 1630 — Johann the Steadfast — 100th Anniversary of Augsburg Confession — Large 56 mm Type

Rare and historically significant silver medal issued in 1630 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession (1530) — one of the foundational documents of the Protestant Reformation.

Obverse:
Portrait of Johann der Beständige (Johann the Steadfast), Elector of Saxony (r. 1525–1532), protector of Martin Luther and champion of the Protestant cause. Inscription:
AETERNVM VERBVM / DEN 25 IVNY ANNO 1530 / MANET IN DOMINI
("The eternal Word of the Lord remains forever," 25 June 1530)

Reverse:
10-line German inscription in old script referencing the Augsburg Confession and the true teachings of the faith. Dated: 25 June 1630.

Specifications:

• Material: Silver

• Diameter: 56 mm

• Weight: 42 g

• Edge: Hand-finished, irregular — typical of original 17th-century strikes

• Condition: EF (extra fine), with sharp detail and attractive original patina. No damage, no cleaning. Honest and original piece.

Notes:
This is the large official presentation type (not the smaller 48 mm medal), struck in Saxony (likely Leipzig or Dresden) during the Thirty Years’ War — at a time when Lutheran identity was being reaffirmed.
Scarce on the market