AUSTRIA. Joseph II/Edict of Tolerance to the Jewish Population Silver Medal, 1782. NGC MS-63.Montenuovo-2153; Whiting-533. By J. Reich. Diameter: 40.5mm. Obverse: Garlanded bust right, in military attire, perimeter legend IOSEPHVS . II . ROM . IMP . SEMP . AVG . / TOLERANTIA IMPERANTIS; Reverse: Protestant minister, Catholic priest, and Rabbi standing facing below crowned eagle with sword, scepter and orb; rayed Eye of Providence above; perimeter legend at top, legend and date in exergue below. Hapsburg Emperor Joseph II desired for Austria to be an Enlightened State, and as part of that he issued the 1781 Patent of Toleration granting limited freedoms to Protestants, and the 1782 Edict of Tolerance granting limited freedoms to the Jewish population of Lower Austria. This latter document distanced Joseph significantly from the anti-Jewish mindset of his mother, Maria Theresa. The edict expanded educational opportunities, allowed Jews entry to certain trades, and eliminated some other restrictions. Limits on the use of Hebrew and Yiddish languages and permissible locations for synagogues remained in place however. <p>A lovely specimen with attractive argent surfaces graced with cerulean, cobalt, and splashes of gold and russet toning. Typically seen in tin; very rare in silver as well as in this elevated grade. A stunning example of the type; historic and very desirable.Margolis had a few rather overt interests in his collecting of medallic art. One such theme was that of medals pertaining to mans earliest pursuits to conquer the heavens in the form of ballooning. The European exploits of the late 18th century are contained here across many different country categories. Also quite noticeable was his interest in the medallic art of Jewish engravers, such as Jakob Abraham and his son, Abraham Abramson, among numerous others. Across this selection of medals, these themes and topics will become obvious, adding further dimensions to the already intense focus with which Margolis pursued his collecting.From the Richard Margolis Collection.
