(sold for $12.0)

1441, Salzburg, Archbishop Johann II von Reisberg. Silver Pfennig Coin.  VF+

Reference: Probszt 48. Denomination: Pfennig Mint Period: 1429-1441 Mint Place: Salzburg (as independent Archbishopric). Condition: Minor greenish deposits (vendigris), dark toning, otherwise a nice VF+  Diameter: 15mm Weight: 0.51gm Material: Silver

Obverse: Shield with arms of the Archbishopric within inner circle.

Reverse: Blank (as expected for type).

The Archbishopric of Salzburg was an ecclesiastical State of the Holy Roman Empire, its territory roughly congruent with the present-day Austrian state of Salzburg.

The diocese arose from St Peter's Abbey, founded in the German stem duchy of Bavaria about 696 by St Rupert at the former Roman city of Iuvavum (Salzburg). The last Archbishop with princely authority before the secularisation was Count Hieronymus von Colloredo, an early patron of Salzburg native Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Up to today, the Archbishop of Salzburg has also borne the title Primas Germaniae ("First [Bishop] of Germany"). The powers of this title –   non-jurisdictional – are limited to being the Pope's first correspondent   in the German-speaking world, but used to include the right to preside   over the Princes of the Holy Roman Empire. The Archbishop also has the title of Legatus Natus ("born legate") to the Pope, which, although not a cardinal, gives the Archbishop the privilege of wearing red vesture (which is much deeper than a cardinal's scarlet), even in Rome.