101939 | GERMANY. Grim Reaper/Father Time cast silver Medal.

101939  |  GERMANY. Grim Reaper/Father Time cast silver Medal. Issued early 18th century (31mm, 10.64 g, 12h). By C. Wermuth.

 

OMNIS DIES OMNIS HORA QUAM NIHIL SUMUS OSTENDIT (every day and even every hour shows how we are nothing), the Grim Reaper (as a skeleton with a scythe) stands behind a robed and cloaked figure with a beard (Father Time), who holds personification of the sun and clock / DISCO MORI CHRISTO (I learn to die in Christ...), manus Dei emerging leftward from the clouds, holding skull; below, banner reading NAM CHRISTI MORS MEA VITA EST (...for the death of Christ is my life) and manus Dei emerging rightward from the clouds, holding pelican feeding her young with her blood. Edge: Light seam.

 

Brettauer 5018; Aspects of Death 67. Mint State. Amber-gray toning, with some doubling on the skull side. Compare to a similar example, though clearly inferior and with more wear, that realized a total ChF 900 ($1,207 after buyer's fee) in the SINCONA 83 auction, lot 2707.