von Dietrichstein, Franz

Franz von Dietrichstein (1570–1636), cardinal, bishop of Olomouc (1599–1636)

Half tolar, Before 1619 (?)

silver; 14.26 g, diameter 37.5 mm, Olomouc mint, acquired before 1904, Olomouc Archbishopric – Archdiocesan Museum in Kroměříž, KE 13431

On the obverse of the coin is the bust of the issuer in three-quarter right profile. He is in his cardinals attire, within a ring of fine astragal ornament. In the legend above his head is the number 8. On the reverse is a standing Virgin Mary with child and a lily scepter. In front of her are two shields; on the dexter side is the family crest of the Dietrichstein family, on the sinister side is the coat of arms of the Olomouc Bishopric. The legend on the obverse reads: "Ve stínu tvých křídel" ("In the shadow of thy wings.")

Miroslav Myšák