1 Heller - Ferdinand I Habsburg occupation

Ferdinand I's occupation of Württemberg began in 1520 after Duke Ulrich was expelled by the Swabian League, and the territory remained under Habsburg administration for over a decade until the Treaty of Kaaden restored Ulrich in 1534. These hellers were struck to service the smallest daily transactions during that interregnum — a period of administrative flux in which coinage rights were exercised by an occupying power rather than any legitimate ducal authority.

The billon content reflects chronic silver shortages across southwestern German minting in the 1520s, not a specific debasement decision unique to this issue.