1 Goldgulden

Historical Context: This 1 Goldgulden, minted by the Free Imperial City of Strasbourg between 1508 and 1517, emerges from a pivotal era in European history. As a significant commercial and religious hub within the Holy Roman Empire, Strasbourg exercised its imperial privilege (Münzrecht) to issue coinage, asserting its economic autonomy. This period immediately precedes the profound societal shifts of the Reformation, positioning these gold issues as testaments to the city's pre-Reformation prosperity and its vital role in Rhine region trade networks.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this Goldgulden reflects the transition from late Gothic to early German Renaissance aesthetics. While specific engravers are rarely documented for municipal issues of this period, the style typically exhibits robust, detailed figures characteristic of the era. The obverse likely features a standing saint, perhaps St. Mary or a patron bishop, rendered with solemnity. The reverse would commonly display the city's coat of arms or a complex cross design, symbolizing Strasbourg's civic and religious identity.

Technical/Grading: As with many manually struck coins of the early 16th century, strike quality can vary. Key high-points for grading would include the saint's facial features, hands, and drapery folds on the obverse, and the intricate details of the shield or cross on the reverse. Expect to find some typical weaknesses in strike, especially on the highest relief areas, and potential planchet irregularities or slight off-centering, which are common for the period. Gold coins generally exhibit superior preservation due to their intrinsic value.