BOHEMIA. Joachimsthal. Crucifixion/Nehushtan Cast Silver Medal with Loop, ND (ca. 1545-75). Grade: EXTREMELY FINE.Katz-441a. Diameter: 25.5 mm. Weight: 5.76 gms. By the school of N. Milicz. Obverse: CHRISTIBL VTISAL, Crucifixion of Christ. Reverse: DERENRIN SCHLA, Nehushtan (the brazen serpent) surrounded by soldiers and a venerating crowd. An interesting plague-era religious medal that may have been worn as a necklace. Nehushtan is described in the Book of Numbers as a bronze serpent that could cure those who looked upon it from dying of venom, giving this medal a possible connection to bubonic plague that ravaged 16th century Europe. The symbol has since been popularized as a representation of the medical profession. Brilliant fields still show original luster, with light wear evident across the well-formed high points of the design.
