1 Kreuzer - Maximilian II

Historical Context: This 1 Kreuzer coin, issued in 1622 under Maximilian II of the County of Fugger-Babenhausen-Wellenburg, emerges from a turbulent period. The year 1622 falls squarely within the early, brutal phase of the Thirty Years' War, a conflict that devastated the Holy Roman Empire. As a minor principality, the Fugger county's issuance of copper coinage reflects widespread economic pressures and scarcity of precious metals, often diverted for military expenditures, forcing reliance on base metal currency for daily transactions.

Artistry: The engraver for this humble denomination remains anonymous, typical for regional mints of the era. Stylistically, the coin aligns with the functional German Renaissance numismatic tradition, transitioning towards early Baroque elements. The obverse likely features a rudimentary bust or the Fugger family's armorial bearings, while the reverse would typically display a cross, signifying the denomination, or an imperial orb, characteristic of lower value coinage from the Holy Roman Empire.

Technical/Grading: As a copper issue from this period, the 1 Kreuzer often exhibits inconsistent strike quality. High-points for wear typically include the highest relief areas of any bust (hair, nose, crown) or the armorial shield on the obverse. On the reverse, central elements of the cross or imperial eagle would be most susceptible to attrition. Planchet preparation was often crude, leading to irregular flans and frequently off-center strikes, which can obscure peripheral legends, making high-grade examples particularly scarce.