1/2 Albus - William II halber Petersgroschen

Historical Context: Issued by the Landgraviate of Hessen between 1493 and 1509, this 1/2 Albus, known as a halber Petersgroschen, belongs to the reign of William II "the Middle." This era marked a pivotal transition in Central Europe, with territorial princes like William consolidating power amidst the waning influence of the Holy Roman Empire and the dawn of the Reformation. The Albus, a regional silver denomination, was vital for local commerce, and its billon composition reflects the economic realities and monetary policies of late medieval Germany.

Artistry: The design of this coin exemplifies the prevailing Late Gothic stylistic school, albeit with nascent influences of the Early Renaissance. While specific engravers are typically unrecorded for this period, the artistic execution would have been characteristic of regional mints. The "Petersgroschen" type commonly features St. Peter or his attributes, such as keys, often alongside the Hessian lion or a ducal shield. The rendering would likely exhibit stylized figures and heraldry, typical of the era's numismatic art, prioritizing symbolic representation over naturalistic detail.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon with a .375 silver content, this 1.25 gram, 21.5 mm coin presents specific challenges for preservation and grading. High-points susceptible to wear typically include the central elements of any depicted saint's face or vestments, the crown, or intricate details of the shield. Technical strike qualities often reveal weaknesses inherent to billon coinage of the period: irregular planchets, off-center strikes, and weak legends, particularly at the periphery. Lamination flaws and overall softness of strike are common characteristics.