Medal Germany (Munster) Sede Vacante 1719

After the death or resignation of a pope, the Holy See (central authority of the Roman Catholic Church) enters a period of sede vacante, Latin for 'the seat being vacant.'

Sede Vacante medals and talers were issued by select German States to commemorate the death of bishops and prince-bishops. Only a dozen or so German States issued medals to commemorate the Sede Vacante events over a 250 year period.

On the reverse of this medal you can read: M FVNDATOR S CAROLVS, Charlemagne, known as Charles the Great. This large silver medal has a diameter of 49 mm and weighs 43 grams. Approximate catalog values run like this:

worn: $250 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $400
well preserved: $750
fully uncirculated: $1500

CoinQuest thanks Stacks for use of this image of a superb specimen. Stacks' medal sold for $1750 US dollars in a 2006 auction.
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