Lot Essay
Matthias had already become de facto ruler in much of Austria by the time the previous Emperor, his less capable younger brother Rudolph, died in 1612. This medal, of which there are several versions, celebrates his coronation at Frankfurt, 26 June 1612. Christian Maler, a goldsmith from Nrnberg, worked for both Rudolph and Matthias, the latter giving him permission 'to strike medals in his own house', a privilege noted on most of his medals CVM PRIVILEGIO.