Heinrich von Könneritz (1483–1551), a Saxon nobleman, Chief Mining Official of Jáchymov (1518–1545), and Supreme Mint Master (1518–1528). From January 1518, he played a significant role in the construction of the Czech mining town of Sankt Joachimsthal, after Count Stefan Šlik appointed him Head Mining Official. He significantly contributed to the development of the Jáchymov Mining Codes, which were issued in 1518 and 1541. He was decisively involved in the building and expansion of the mines in Jáchymov and in the development of coining. Without the consent of the Saxon princes, the thalers could not have penetrated the German markets, and thanks to Könneritz’s efforts, the Saxon princes allowed the thalers to enter circulation in the summer of 1520. He served as Mint Master until 1528, when the Šlik counts were forced to cede the coining right to King Ferdinand I. From 1527, Könneritz collaborated with Georgius Agricola in Jáchymov, providing him with useful support for his mining research. During his time in Jáchymov, he wrote a chronicle of the town and the activities of the oldest mines; however, this chronicle was lost in the mid-19th century, although copies have been preserved. In 1545, Könneritz lost his position as Chief Mining Official due to the cession of the Šlik mines in Jáchymov to Ferdinand I. Könneritz took over the function of commercial representative for the Saxon Elector Johann Friedrich, until the latter lost the Electorate title at the end of the Schmalkaldic War. Subsequently, Könneritz retired in 1547 to his estate near Leipzig, where he died in 1551.
