1/4 Thaler - Anthony Günter In the name of Matthias

Emittente Oldenburg, County of
Anno 1614-1619
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore 1/4 Thaler
Valuta Thaler (1535-1773)
Composizione Silver
Peso 6.6 g
Diametro
Spessore
Forma Round (irregular)
Tecnica
Orientamento
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i
Descrizione del dritto Crowned fourfold arms within beaded inner circle.
Scrittura del dritto Latin
Legenda del dritto ANT · GVN · CO · OL · ET · DEL · DO · IE · E · K
(Translation: Anton Gunther Count of Oldenburg and Delmenhorst, Lord of Jever and Kniphausen.)
Descrizione del rovescio Crowned two-headed imperial eagle, orb on breast, within beaded inner circle.
Scrittura del rovescio Latin
Legenda del rovescio MATH · I · D · G · RO · IMPER · SEMP AVG
(Translation: Mathias I by God`s grace ever exalted Emperor of the Romans)
Bordo
Zecca
Tiratura ND (1614-1619) - -
ID Numisquare 1120903330
Informazioni aggiuntive

Historical Context: This 1/4 Thaler was issued by Count Anthony Günter of Oldenburg (reigned 1603-1667), a shrewd and pragmatic ruler renowned for maintaining Oldenburg's neutrality and prosperity amidst the tumultuous Thirty Years' War, which commenced in 1618 during this coin's striking period. The issuance "in the name of Matthias" (Holy Roman Emperor 1612-1619) signifies Oldenburg's status as an imperial estate, acknowledging imperial suzerainty while asserting regional authority. This denomination reflects the widespread Thaler standard, crucial for local commerce in northwestern Germany.

Artistry: The coinage of early 17th-century German states, including Oldenburg, generally adhered to a late Renaissance aesthetic, transitioning towards early Baroque. While specific engravers for Oldenburg mints of this era are seldom individually documented, the style reflects the prevailing regional minting traditions. Expect a formal, somewhat stiff portrayal of the Emperor's bust on the obverse, characterized by precise, if not highly individualized, rendering of imperial regalia. The reverse typically features a detailed, heraldic representation of the Oldenburg arms or the imperial eagle, executed with meticulous attention to traditional symbolism rather than artistic flourish.

Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, focus on the high points of the Emperor Matthias's bust on the obverse, specifically the intricate details of his crown, the definition of his facial features (nose, eyes), and any drapery folds. On the reverse, the clarity and completeness of the Oldenburg arms (e.g., the lion, cross, or other charges within the shield) and the individual feathers of the imperial eagle are critical. Crispness of the legends, particularly the date and titles, along with a full, even strike across the entire flan, are paramount, as smaller denominations often suffered from weaker strikes or planchet imperfections.

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