Afghani Vintage Silver Maria Theresia Thaler Pendant

Silver Maria Theresia Thaler pendant with decorative granulation, chains, amulets and bells. Afghanistan. Early 20th century or earlier.

This is a classic type of tribal amulet jewellery from Afghanistan. The Maria Theresa head is worn facing the body for its magical, child-birth promoting and amuletic properties. The reverse side, featuring the double headed eagle, faces outwards and is adorned with typical granulation, while each loop is adorned with a decorated, stylised hand, used to ward off evil in the manner of the Hamsa. The bells also serve a magical purpose as the tinkling sound frightens off and wards against evil spirits.

This piece shows marks commensurate with its age. While the coin is silver, the chains and bells are likely to be coin silver (ie very low) or no silver content.

Measurements: height including bail 17.7 cm

A note about Marie Theresa Thalers:

The Marie Thérèse thaler is considered to be one of the most iconic coins ever minted. First coined in 1741 with the ascension to the Austria throne of Empress Maria Theresa, the coin was so well loved and its silver content so trusted that on her death, when there was an attempt to replace the coin with that of the newly crowned Emperor, there was an outcry. To this day, Marie Thérèse Thalers are still minted in Austria, always with the date of her death, 1780.

Not only was the Empress considered to be extremely successful at bearing children (16 in total), her reign was considered auspicious and most importantly, the coin's silver content did not waver, making it not only a beloved amulet against the evil eye but also a protector of women in terms of conception, child birth and the rearing of progeny.