1 Groschen - Ernest II
| Emittent | Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Duchy of |
|---|---|
| Jahr | 1865-1870 |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Nennwert | 1 Groschen = 1⁄30 Vereinsthaler |
| Währung | Thaler (1841-1870) |
| Material | Billon (.230 silver) |
| Gewicht | 2.1 g |
| Durchmesser | 19 mm |
| Dicke | 2 mm |
| Form | Round |
| Prägetechnik | Milled |
| Ausrichtung | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Stempelschneider | |
| Im Umlauf bis | |
| Referenz(en) | KM#139 |
| Aversbeschreibung | Bust of Ernst II on the left, legend around it. |
|---|---|
| Aversschrift | Latin |
| Averslegende | ERNST HERZOG V. SACHS. COB. U. GOTHA B |
| Reversbeschreibung | Name and date, legend around. |
| Reversschrift | Latin |
| Reverslegende | 30 EINEN THALER 1 GROSCHEN 1865 SCHEIDE MÜNZE |
| Rand | |
| Prägestätte | |
| Auflage |
1865 B - - 70 000 1868 B - - 31 000 1870 B - - 30 000 |
| Numisquare-ID | 1036597400 |
| Zusätzliche Informationen |
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Historical Context: The 1 Groschen coin, issued by Saxe-Coburg and Gotha between 1865 and 1870, marks a pivotal era in German history. Duke Ernest II, brother to Prince Albert, governed the duchy amidst the tumultuous lead-up to German unification. His reign encompassed the Austro-Prussian War (1866) and the formation of the North German Confederation, profoundly reshaping the political landscape. This billon coinage reflects the Groschen's continued role as a fractional currency before the unified German Mark system.
Artistry: While the specific engraver is unrecorded, this 1 Groschen exemplifies the restrained classicism prevalent in mid-19th century German coinage. The obverse typically features a dignified, right-facing bust of Duke Ernest II, conveying regal authority. His titles, "ERNST II HERZOG ZU SACHSEN COBURG U. GOTHA," encircle the portrait. The reverse prominently displays the denomination "1 GROSCHEN" and the date, often within an oak or laurel wreath, along with the mintmark or "SCHEIDE-MÜNZE" inscription.
Technical/Grading: Struck in billon (.230 silver), this 1 Groschen often exhibits characteristic strike limitations. Key high-points for wear and strike quality include the duke's hair, ear, and cheekbone on the obverse, and the central veins or tips of the wreath leaves on the reverse. Given the small flan (19mm) and base metal composition, examples frequently show weakness in these areas, along with minor planchet flaws. Toning and surface corrosion are also common for this alloy, impacting overall eye appeal.