In 1625, Emperor Ferdinand II. granted Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg and his descendants the privilege of minting gold and silver coins with their own portraits and names. For just over 60 years, the Eggenbergs made use of their minting rights and produced ducats, thalers, florins and groschen. Today, these coins are unique rarities. The Coin Cabinet has outstanding evidence of the minting activities of the Eggenbergs thanks to its collection history dating far back into the 19th century.
In the exhibition at SHOWING STYRIA 2025, the rise, splendour and decline of the Eggenberg dynasty are presented using these coins. In addition, examples of the diversity of coinage in the Holy Roman Empire in the 17th century are presented.
