1 Batzen - John III of Pfalz-Simmern

Historical Context: This 1 Batzen coin was issued under Johann III. von Pfalz-Simmern, Prince-Bishop of Regensburg (1507-1538), during a tumultuous period (1523-1534) marked by the nascent Reformation. As an ecclesiastical principality within the Holy Roman Empire, the Bishopric of Regensburg faced immense pressure from burgeoning Protestantism, particularly from the adjacent Imperial Free City of Regensburg. The Batzen, a common billon denomination in South Germany, reflects the Bishop's temporal authority and his efforts to maintain control and finance his administration amidst religious and political upheaval following the Diet of Worms and leading up to the Diet of Augsburg.

Artistry: The artistic style of this Batzen is characteristic of late Gothic numismatic art transitioning into early Renaissance influences prevalent in Southern German ecclesiastical mints. While specific engraver signatures are exceedingly rare for billon issues of this period and region, the dies were likely cut by local mint masters or journeymen. Expect robust, somewhat stylized heraldic representations: the bishop's mitre and crozier, the arms of Pfalz-Simmern (often a lion rampant), and the arms of the Bishopric of Regensburg (often a key or two crossed keys). The legends typically employ Gothic script, sometimes with minor ligatures or abbreviations.

Technical/Grading: For this billon Batzen, critical points for evaluation include the strike quality and preservation of the low-fineness alloy. High-points on the obverse often comprise the intricate details of the bishop's mitre, the finer lines of the crozier, and the small elements within the heraldic shields. On the reverse, the cross atop the Imperial orb and the surrounding legend are frequently the first areas to show wear. Due to the billon composition, planchet irregularities, weak strikes, and susceptibility to environmental corrosion (pitting, dark encrustations) are common. Even, stable toning is preferred over active degradation.