October 2, 2014 – The International Association of Reformation Coins and Medals (IARCM), a non-profit society dedicated to promoting the history and teachings of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation through numismatics, announces that its partnership with renowned German medallist Victor Huster has reached a new height with the striking of this limited edition commemorative medal honoring the Czech reformer Jan Hus (John Huss) and the German reformer Martin Luther. (The previous medal struck by the IARCM and Huster – “Luther the Rising Swan” – won the “Johann Veit Döll” German Medal-prize for 2012.)
Dr. Daniel Harmelink, president of the IARCM and executive director of Concordia Historical Institute announced that “this ultra high-relief art-medal handcrafted by renowned medallist Victor Huster combines the best elements of a 500 year history of Reformation numismatics featuring Hus and Luther together under the common banner of preaching and teaching the truths of Christ as revealed in the Word of God. These limited edition, hand numbered art-medals combines a portrait of Hus and Luther, the suffering they shared for their faithfulness to the prophets and apostles, and the promises of God each proclaimed.”
Design © IARCM and Victor Huster. All rights reserved.
The obverse depicts a quarter portrait of Hus (looking forward – to the right), and the martyrdom he suffered at the Council of Constance as the Bohemian Goose was unjustly burned alive. Surrounding the portrait is the prophecy legend attributes to Hus at his death: COQVAS HVNC ANSEREM AT CENTVM ANNIS VOCEM CYCNO NON COMPRIMES (I will grant that you may burn this goose, nevertheless, in a hundred years a swan will appear that you will not be able to silence.) “Hidden” in this Latin inscription is a chronogram: the year of the 600th anniversary of his death: VVMMV = MMVVV = 2015.
Design © IARCM and Victor Huster. All rights reserved.
The reverse presents a quarter portrait (looking back – to the left) of the bearded “outlaw” Martin Luther during the time of his “imprisonment” at the Wartburg under the name “Junker Jörg.” Despite his forced seclusion, the Swan of Wittenberg, by God’s grace, continued to sing of the Gospel of Christ (the parchment and nails of the 95 Theses are seen behind the singing swan). Surrounding the portrait is a favorite Scripture passage often read on Reformation Day (October 31): FILIUS MANET IN AETERNUM SI ERGO VOS FILIUS LIBERAVERIT VERE LIBERI ERITIS (The Son remains forever; so if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.) (John 8:35b-36) The chronogram in this inscription: MMVVVII = 2017.
Each type is consecutively numbered by hand and limited to 600 pieces:
larger (74mm diameter; 370 gram copper) (USD$200);
smaller Tombak (36mm; 28.5 gram) (USD$80.00), and
smaller Sterling Silver ($215).
Each medal ordered comes with a certificate of authenticity and a black presentation box.
(Shipping and handling is available at an additional charge.)
For orders outside of Europe, checks drawn from a U.S. bank can be made to “Daniel Harmelink” and orders can be sent to Dr. Harmelink care of:
Concordia Historical Institute, 804 Seminary Place, Saint Louis, MO 63105 USA.
“It is our hope that this exquisite design by Victor Huster will strike a renewed interest in the teachings of Hus, Luther and the Reformation,” Harmelink says. “The Lutheran Church enjoys a rich legacy of promoting the best in the fine arts to communicate the truths of the Word of God and the history of the Christian Church with as many people as possible. I believe this art-medal represents the best marriage of fine art and old-world technology. These pieces will become cherished heirlooms that give witness to the eternal Word of the Lord.”
The IARCM maintains a website of resources on Reformation numismatics, sponsors the writing and translation of articles, and encourages museums and collectors in North America and Europe to present the history and beliefs of the Reformation through innovative exhibits, printed resources and highest-quality art-medals.
For more details about the IARCM and this distinctive Jan Hus-Martin Luther art-medal, please visit the IARCM website.
Or you can send an email message to Dr. Harmelink.
For more information about Mr. Victor Huster and his achievements as an art-medallist and international designer of coins, please visit his personal website.