1⁄24 Thaler

Historical Context: Herford, as a Free Imperial City, issued coinage under its council's authority, particularly during the tumultuous Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). The 1638 1/24 Thaler reflects immense economic strain and political instability across the Holy Roman Empire. Such fractional denominations were crucial for daily commerce amidst widespread debasement and disruptions. Herford's minting underscored its assertion of autonomy and efforts to stabilize local trade in a war-torn landscape.

Artistry: The artistry of this 1/24 Thaler, likely by an anonymous local mint master, adheres to prevalent German Renaissance and early Baroque stylistic conventions for municipal coinage. The obverse typically features the city's heraldic device, often a crowned imperial eagle symbolizing its Free Imperial City status. The reverse displays the denomination, "1/24" or "XXIIII", and the date, sometimes encircled by a legend. The design prioritizes clear identification of issuer and value.

Technical/Grading: Technically, this silver 1/24 Thaler often exhibits characteristics common to small, mass-produced coinage of the era. High-points for wear assessment include the eagle's head and breast feathers, the crown details, and the sharper edges of the lettering. Planchets were frequently irregular, leading to potential off-center strikes or areas of weakness, especially at the periphery. Strike quality varies, reflecting contemporary minting technology and die wear.