1 Groschen - Christian I, August, Louis, John Casimir, George Aribert and John

Historical Context: This 1 Groschen, minted 1622-1623, originates from the Principality of Anhalt, a German territory governed jointly by multiple dynastic lines: Christian I, August, Louis, John Casimir, George Aribert, and John. This era falls within the brutal early years of the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) and the infamous Kipper- und Wipperzeit, a period of widespread monetary debasement across the Holy Roman Empire. The joint issuance reflects dynastic unity amidst significant political and economic turmoil.

Artistry: The coin’s design reflects the Late Renaissance style prevalent in early 17th-century German numismatics, characterized by formal, often stiff, portraiture or heraldic displays. While a specific engraver is unrecorded, execution would typically be from a local mint master. The obverse likely features conjoined busts or titles of the six ruling princes, symbolizing their collective authority. The reverse commonly displays the princely arms of Anhalt, often quartered, alongside the denomination and date, within a circular Latin legend.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, the 24mm Groschen from this tumultuous period often exhibits varying strike quality. High points include rulers' hair, facial features, and intricate details of crowns or heraldic devices on the obverse, and the Anhalt shield on the reverse. Due to rapid production and debasement during the Kipperzeit, examples may display weak strikes, particularly on legends or peripheral design elements, as well as planchet irregularities from hurried production.