Germany. Luther, Martin (1483-1546). 300th Anniversary of the Reformation, 1817. Extremely rare!

Portrait after L. Posch. Gigantic iron medal, 102 mm. Casted and issued in Berlin year 1817. Weight 267 gram. These medals were as original gold plated, some gold is still visible! References: Brozatus #1194, Whiting #608. Extremely rare!

Obverse: Dr. Martin Luther, half-left bust portrait, holding the closed Bible in his hands. Born 1483. Died 1546.

Reverse: Luther in front of the gate of the Wittenberg Castle Church, a large crowd around him come for reading the 95 theses. With God begun, Wittenberg October 31, 1517.

MARTIN LUTHER (1483-1546)
Martin Luther (10 November 1483 – 18 February 1546) was a German priest, theologian, author, hymnwriter, professor, and Augustinian friar. He was the seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation, and his theological beliefs form the basis of Lutheranism.

Luther was ordained to the priesthood in 1507. He came to reject several teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church; in particular, he disputed the view on indulgences. Luther proposed an academic discussion of the practice and efficacy of indulgences in his Ninety-five Theses of 1517. His refusal to renounce all of his writings at the demand of Pope Leo X in 1520 and the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms in 1521 resulted in his excommunication by the pope and condemnation as an outlaw by the Holy Roman Emperor.

Luther died in 1546 with Pope Leo X's excommunication still in effect.