Discover Bautzen's mysterious coinage history in the museum!

Discover Bautzen's mysterious coinage history in the museum!

There is a lot to discover in Bautzen, especially when it comes to the local coin history. On Sunday, August 17, 2025, the Bautzen Museum invites you to an exciting tour under the motto “Talers, medals, emergency money – insights into the Bautzen coin history”. Graduate museologist Hagen Schulz will lead through the “City” theme level at 3 p.m. and provide deeper insights into the museum’s collections.

The event not only offers a journey into the past, but also a connection to Bautzen's long and eventful history. The city, which was first mentioned in 1002 as “civitas Budusin” in the chronicle of Thietmar von Merseburg, has developed over the centuries under different rulers. Under German, Polish, Brandenburg, Hungarian and Bohemian rule, Bautzen experienced a lot economically, socially and culturally before it finally became part of Electoral Saxony in 1635.

Coin history in detail

The coinage history of Bautzen is divided into three significant periods: from 1124 to 1319, denarii, thin pennies and bracteates were minted there, which underlines the early importance of the mint. From 1666 onwards, Elector Johann Georg II had the Bautzen Mint rebuilt in order to produce coins of equal value. Unfortunately, minting had to be stopped in 1667 and the equipment was relocated to Dresden. This means that coins such as the Upper Lusatian third and sixth thaler were also minted there. The minting of commemorative coins has a long tradition in Bautzen that goes back to the 17th century, when such medals were issued for events in the city's and personal history. The last few years have also set new milestones with private initiatives to commemorate the siege of Bautzen in the Thirty Years' War in 2020.

Invitation to participate

The museum tour is limited to 25 participants, meaning early registration is advisable. The admission prices are quite moderate at 7.00 euros for full-paying adults and 2.00 euros reduced, while children and young people up to the age of 16 can even take part for free. Registration is possible by phone on 03591 534-933 or in person at the museum box office.

Bautzen not only has a rich but also a fascinating coin history, which will be brought to life at the upcoming event. Anyone interested in history and wanting to learn more about local coins should not miss this opportunity. Looking to the past could also give you new value for the present.

For further information on the history of the coin and the event, please follow the links: Bautzen.de, Wikipedia as well as BVA.