1/4 Stuber - Frederick Alexander

Historical Context: The 1/4 Stuber, issued by the County of Wied-Neuwied between 1748 and 1750, represents a crucial fractional denomination under Count Frederick Alexander (1737-1791). As a small, independent principality within the Holy Roman Empire, Wied-Neuwied's copper coinage underscored its economic autonomy. It provided essential low-value currency for local commerce and daily transactions. This issuance reflects Frederick Alexander's sovereign right to mint coinage, demonstrating his efforts to manage and stabilize his territory during his reign.

Artistry: While the specific engraver is unrecorded, this 1/4 Stuber's design aligns with mid-18th century German regional coinage. Obverse designs typically featured the ruler's monogram or titular inscription, often with the year of mintage. The reverse commonly displayed the Wied-Neuwied coat of arms, symbolizing the county's sovereignty, alongside the denomination. Artistic execution for such copper pieces prioritized legibility and official symbolism, employing late Baroque heraldic conventions suitable for daily use rather than elaborate artistic flourishes.

Technical/Grading: This copper 1/4 Stuber, with its specifications of 1.8 grams and 23 millimeters, is prone to wear on its highest points, typically the central elements of the ruler's monogram or the raised features of the coat of arms. Copper coinage from this era often exhibits variable strike quality, with degrees of weakness, especially on outer legends or finer details. Planchet quality can also be inconsistent, showing irregular flan shapes or minor surface imperfections. Collectors should prioritize clarity of central devices and legibility of date and denomination for grading.