MILICZ, Wolf: Germany, 1536, Silver, 43 mm
Obv: Johann Friedrich three-quarters facing right   IOAN. FRIDERICI. ELECTORIS. DVCIS. SAXONIE. MDXXXVI. CONTRPRAITWRA??
Rev: Tournament scene with three combatants mounted on horses, others fallen   MINISTER. EST. VLTOR. I. D. RT. NON. TRV.TRA. CLAIVM. GESTAT. NAM. DEI. ??
Old cast
Ref: Slg. Merseburger 544; Tentzel Tf. 9/1; Katz 270;  Weiss BW627

Johann (John) Friedrich the Magnanimous (German: Johann Friedrich der Grossmütige) (1503-1554), Elector of Saxony (1532-1547), was the elder son of the elector John the Steadfast and the last elector of the Ernestine branch of the Saxon House of Wettin. As head of the Protestant Schmalkaldic League for the defense of the reformers, he forced the replacement of an elected Catholic bishop by a Protestant one and helped convince the Holy Roman Emperor Karl V to take up arms against the Reformation. Furthermore, by seizing the town of Wurzen, Johann Friedrich ignored the rights of his second cousin Maurice of Saxony (1521-1553), Saxon duke of the rival Albertine branch of the House of Wettin.

The ensuing enmity helped split Germany's Protestant princes. When the Emperor defeated the Schmalkaldic League at the Battle of Mühlberg (1547) with the aid of Maurice, the electorate was granted to the Albertines. Johann Friedrich, wounded and taken prisoner, was condemned to death but saved himself by acquiescing to electoral and territorial losses. He refused to compromise on religious issues, however, and enjoined his sons to refuse peace with Maurice. In 1552, during a war between the Emperor and Maurice, Johann Friedrich was freed. After the death of Maurice (1553), he hoped to regain the electorship but was disappointed when Maurice's successor Augustus was granted the title. Considered a martyr of Protestantism, Johann Friedrich continued to enjoy the respect of his people and fellow princes until his death. (From Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.)

The medal was made on commission of the Elector Karl Theodor from the Pfalz.

See also other medal of Johann Friedrich from the workshop of Hans Reinhart.