1625-72 Copper Rechenpfennig Skull Token PCGS VF35

Item #CC-0787 | 1625-72 Copper Rechenpfennig Skull Token PCGS VF35
Mint: Zellerfeld, Germany
Assayer: Hennig Schluter
Reference: Neumann #31695
Grade: VF35

For details and population on this coin from PCGS, click on the serial number here: 57603539.

Description: This is a quite peculiar counting token used by merchants in the mid 17th century. The concept of Memento Mori has been used for many centuries, and it’s use here is a very unique one. Rather than they typical skull and crossbones, this piece depicts a skull with worms and a snake running through it, capped with an hourglass. A fantastic example seeing as the others we have come across in recent years are quite worn from use.

Obverse

Coat of arms, Helmeted Crest, wings and keys, within a circle, legend around.

Script: Latin

Lettering: HENNING•SCHLU• TER•F•B•L•M•M•Z•Z

Engraver: Henning Schlüter

Reverse

A skull with a snake and capped with an hourglass in a beaded circle, crossed scythe and spade behind, worms to left and right.. Legend around.

Script: Latin

Lettering: CONSIDERA • NOVISSIMA • ET • NON • PECCABIS

Translation: Consider the latest and you won’t go wrong.

In stock

$850.00