1 Doppelschilling

Historical Context: Issued by the Free Imperial City of Brunswick between 1675 and 1676, this Doppelschilling reflects a period of post-Thirty Years' War recovery and consolidation in the German States. Brunswick, a prominent trading city, maintained its significant autonomy within the Holy Roman Empire, governed by its influential city council rather than a territorial prince. The coin's issuance underscores the city's continued economic vitality and its role as a regional commercial hub, using its own coinage to facilitate trade and daily transactions in a complex monetary landscape.

Artistry: While the specific engraver for this modest denomination is typically unrecorded, the coin's design aligns with the late Baroque aesthetic prevalent in German coinage, albeit in a simplified form suitable for a small silver piece. The obverse likely features the iconic Brunswick lion rampant, often within a shield, representing the city's heraldic identity. The reverse would commonly display the denomination, date, and sometimes the imperial eagle, symbolizing the city's allegiance to the Holy Roman Empire. The execution would prioritize legibility and traditional symbolism over elaborate detail.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver with a modest weight of 1.64 grams and a diameter of 20 millimeters, the 1 Doppelschilling often exhibits characteristics typical of mass-produced minor coinage of the era. High-points susceptible to wear include the raised elements of the lion's mane and body, the crown, and the details of the imperial eagle's feathers. Technical strike quality can vary, with common issues such as slight off-centering, weak strikes in peripheral areas, or minor flan irregularities. Collectors should examine the sharpness of the legends and central motifs for optimal preservation.