1 Mariengroschen - Henry the younger

Henry the Younger of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel was one of the most tenacious Catholic princes in northern Germany, holding out against the Protestant Reformation longer than virtually any of his neighbors — a position that cost him his territory twice. He was driven from Wolfenbüttel by the Schmalkaldic League in 1542 and only restored following Charles V's victory at Mühlberg in 1547. This coin dates from his second restoration period, struck as he reasserted ducal authority over a principality that had spent years under Protestant administration.

The Welter 423 variant designation suggests a minor die difference from the primary type — not unusual for regional silver issues of this decade, where multiple dies were cut by hand with no expectation of strict uniformity.