1 Groschen - Elizabeth

Uitgever Eastern Prussia, Russian occupation of
Jaar 1759-1761
Type Standard circulation coin
Waarde 1 Groschen (1⁄30)
Valuta Thaler (1759-1762)
Samenstelling Billon (.156 silver)
Gewicht 0.85 g
Diameter 16 mm
Dikte
Vorm Round
Techniek
Oriëntatie
Graveur(s)
In omloop tot
Referentie(s) KM#287, C#42, Schön DM#36, Olding FR#459, Schr#1942
Beschrijving voorzijde Russian double-headed eagle.
Schrift voorzijde Latin
Opschrift voorzijde MONETA∙ARGENTEA
(Translation: Silver Coin)
Beschrijving keerzijde Five line inscription with value and date.
Schrift keerzijde Latin
Opschrift keerzijde ✿ I ✿ ꟾ GROSSUS ꟾ REGNI ꟾ PRUSS ꟾ 1761
Rand
Muntplaats
Oplage 1759 - large date - 112 650
1759 - small date -
1760 - large date -
1760 - small date -
1761 - - 111 804
Numisquare-ID 1645574750
Aanvullende informatie

Historical Context: The 1 Groschen, bearing Empress Elizabeth Petrovna's name, records the Russian occupation of Eastern Prussia during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763). Issued 1759-1761, these coins facilitated commerce and asserted Russian authority in conquered Königsberg. Elizabeth's reign solidified Russia's European standing; this local coinage underscored the temporary shift in control before its return to Prussia after Peter III's ascension in 1762.

Artistry: The Groschen's design reflects Late Baroque and early Rococo styles of mid-18th century European coinage, simplified for billon issues in occupied regions. The obverse typically features a laureate or diademed bust of Empress Elizabeth. The reverse commonly displays the imperial Russian double-headed eagle, often crowned, alongside the denomination and date. This aesthetic blended Russian imperial symbolism with Eastern Prussia's local monetary system; engravers for common issues are generally undocumented.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon (.156 silver), this small 16mm coin (0.85 grams) presents grading challenges. High points for wear include the Empress's hair, diadem, and shoulder drapery, plus the eagle's heads, crowns, and wing tips. Due to base metal and rapid production, examples often exhibit weak strikes, particularly in central design elements. Planchet irregularities and environmental damage like corrosion are common, impacting condition.

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