1 Körtling

Historical Context: The 1 Körtling, issued by the Free Imperial City of Göttingen in 1492, marks a significant period in late medieval German urban history. As a prominent Hanseatic League member, Göttingen maintained its imperial immediacy and Münzrecht, enabling it to strike currency for local and regional trade. While no singular monarch ruled, the city council oversaw its economic affairs. This denomination facilitated daily transactions, underscoring Göttingen's commercial vitality and autonomy within the Holy Roman Empire.

Artistry: The design of this Körtling reflects the practical aesthetics typical of smaller, late medieval German civic coinage. Likely executed by a local mint master, the style leans towards a robust, functional interpretation of heraldry rather than elaborate Renaissance artistry. The obverse typically features the city's arms, often a stylized lion rampant within a shield, symbolizing Göttingen's strength. The reverse commonly displays a simple cross or similar ecclesiastical motif, rendered with bold, unrefined lines characteristic of hammered production.

Technical/Grading: As a product of hammered coinage, the 1492 Göttingen Körtling frequently exhibits characteristic technical variations. High-points susceptible to wear or weak strike include the lion's mane and crown on the obverse, and the central intersection of the cross on the reverse. Collectors should anticipate irregular flan shapes, off-center strikes, and variable pressure, inherent to the manufacturing process. A well-struck example will show clear definition on heraldic elements and legible legends, despite these typical imperfections.