Coin Tankard

ca. 1694

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 533

For eight months of 1694, the Diocese of Liège lacked a leader. The former prince-bishop had died and the canons of Liège had not yet elected his successor. During this period, they issued an unusual coin featuring the bust of their spiritual patron, Saint Lambert. The saint was substituted for a portrait of their earthy ecclesiastical leader, as the office was vacant. Thirty-two of these coins were collected and mounted into this custom tankard. The goldsmith, Daniel Männlich the Elder, a favorite of aristocratic and royal patrons, had established a reputation for himself making objects of the highest quality for a powerful audience.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Coin Tankard
Maker: Daniel Männlich der Ältere (German, Obersdorf 1625–1701 Berlin)
Date: ca. 1694
Culture: German, Berlin
Medium: Silver, partially gilded, inset with silver coins
Dimensions: confirmed: 9 5/8 × 9 5/16 × 7 3/16 in., 81.209oz. (24.4 × 23.7 × 18.3 cm, 2302.5g)
Classification: Metalwork-Silver
Credit Line: Purchase, Hubert and Mireille Goldschmidt Gift, 2025
Object Number: 2025.469
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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