Catalog
| Issuer | Corvey, Abbey of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1607-1612 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Groschen = 1⁄24 Thaler |
| Currency | Thaler |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.43 g |
| Diameter | 20.45 mm |
| Thickness | 0.80 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#5.4, Weing Corvey#84, Saur#1678 |
| Obverse description | Spanish shield of 4-fold arms in baroque frame. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | THEOD. D. G. ABB. COR(B)(I) |
| Reverse description | Imperial orb with Z4, date divided by cross on top |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | RVD. II. RO(M). I(M)(P). S. A(V)(G). |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1607 - - 1607 HL - - 1612 HK - - |
| Numisquare ID | 6610584320 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1 Groschen coin was issued by the Abbey of Corvey under Abbot Theodore of Beringhausen between 1607 and 1612. As an imperial abbey, Corvey held significant spiritual and temporal power within the Holy Roman Empire, granting its abbots the right to mint coinage. Theodore's reign occurred during a period of escalating religious and political tensions preceding the Thirty Years' War, making these issues vital for local commerce and asserting the abbey's sovereign authority. The Groschen denomination served as a common circulating medium in the region.
Artistry: The design of this Groschen typically reflects the numismatic conventions of early 17th-century German ecclesiastical principalities, blending late Renaissance portraiture with nascent Baroque stylistic elements. While no specific engraver is usually attributed, the obverse likely features a bust of Abbot Theodore of Beringhausen or his armorial bearings, symbolizing his temporal authority. The reverse would commonly display the Abbey of Corvey's shield or a religious motif, emphasizing its spiritual foundation. The execution would prioritize legibility of the ruler's name and title.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver with a diameter of 20.45 mm and weighing 1.43 grams, this Groschen is characteristic of its type. For optimal grading, collectors seek sharp details on the abbot's facial features or the intricate elements of the coat of arms, which often constitute the highest points of the design. Due to the striking technology of the era, specimens frequently exhibit some degree of flatness, particularly on the central motifs, or minor planchet irregularities. A well-centered strike with full legends is highly desirable.