THE COLLECTION
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GERMANY
Sachsen-Albertinische Linie
Johann Georg III
Elector of Saxony, 1680-1691

                AR 1/6 Taler (3.82 g, 24mm, 9).
      Mint: Dresden; Christoph Fischer, mintmaster.
      Struck: Dated 1683.
      Obv: IOH · GEORG · III · D · G · DUX · SAX · I · C & M ·
                Bare-headed bust right.
      Rev: SAC · ROM · IMP · AR CHI · M · ET · ELECT · (two
                fish) · 16 83 ·
                Crowned coat of arms of Saxony set on crossed palm
                fronds and 1/6 in oval; C F flanking.
      Ref: Clauss & Kahnt 606; Merseburger 1283; Kohl 290.

Notes: Johann Georg III was a natural military commander. When he became elector, one of his first tasks was to streamline the royal household, including its military. The result of his efforts was the establishment of a highly competent and proficient force of 12,000 men, and a new military authority, the Privy War Chancellory. He was a fervent proponent of the Holy Roman Emperor's war against France, and worked tirelessly to encourage other lords to join the effort. Before he could be employed against the French, in 1683 Johann Georg and his army was sent to support an Imperial army that was assembled to relieve the Ottoman siege of Vienna. His military prowess was so evident that he was given command of the left wing of the entire army, which he valiantly led in the successful Battle of Vienna on 12 September. In the following years, Johann Georg was involved in numerous successful engagements, mainly against France, but none were as illustrious as his fight against the Muslims at Vienna.