Auction 1

Description

Salentin von Isenburg (1567-1577). Aureus. 1568, Deutz. 28.75 g. 41.30 mm. 12h
Obv. SALENTIN · ELECTVS · - · ECCLESIE · COLONIE, St. Peter with key walking to the left between 15 - 68.
Rev. * MONETA * NOVA - * ARGEN * TVICII *, helmeted coat of arms.
Dav. 9128; Noss 71.
Very fine

Salentin von Isenburg was born the second of three sons of Count Heinrich von Isenburg-Grenzau and Countess Margarethe von Wertheim. He began studying theology at the age of 15 and became a canon in Mainz after his first year in 1548. Both brothers died in the following two years, so it was up to Salentin to continue the family. In addition to Mainz, Salentin also held benefices in Strasbourg and, from 1552, in Cologne. There he became capitular in 1558, scholastic in 1565 and sub-dean in 1567. When he was elected archbishop, he refused to be ordained a priest so that he could later return to the secular state. This antagonized Pope Pius V., but his successor Gregory XIII. sent Salentin the curial confirmation of his office in Cologne in 1573 and offered him as a papal candidate for the bishop's see in Paderborn. Salentin was able to get the financial problems under control and initiate further reforms in the administration of the archbishopric. The most visible success of his financial policy was the redemption of pledges for several territories, including the Vest Recklinghausen. In terms of foreign policy, he aimed to prevent the Dutch uprising from spreading. In 1577, Salentin resigned from office in order to continue his family line. He had chosen Ernst of Bavaria as his successor, but this did not happen at first.