A series of art medals reflecting the culture and history of the former Free Imperial City of Esslingen am Neckar was created over a period of 13 years. These 26 outstanding works of art in terms of design and minting technique are now documented in a printed book. ISBN 978-3-00-078024-0 The 65-page ensemble is based on in-depth thematic research and intensive design work. Executed using elaborate minting techniques, the result is a unique city portrait that is unrivalled in the world of German medals. In addition to architecture and historical milestones, the range of themes also includes selected personalities and examples of local industrial development. The series, which grew from 1997 to 2009, is due not least to the ongoing commitment of Kreissparkasse Esslingen. At the end of the book, a list shows all the technical details and the amount of the individual medal editions. For some motifs, there are identical gold casts in a smaller format, which are very rare. All specimens are in the Coin Cabinet of the Württemberg State Museum in Stuttgart, as are some of the dies.
The aim of the publication is to make these medals accessible to future generations, to preserve the descriptions of the motifs and to protect the objects from the vandalism of melting. The appreciation should not be based on the metal value, but on the spiritual content and uniqueness.