1 Pfennig

Historical Context: This 1 Pfennig coin was issued by the Free Imperial City of Regensburg between 1551 and 1575, a tumultuous period within the Holy Roman Empire. As a Free City, Regensburg enjoyed significant autonomy, including the right to mint coinage, under the nominal suzerainty of the Habsburg Emperors Charles V, Ferdinand I, and Maximilian II. This era was defined by the religious schism of the Reformation and the subsequent Peace of Augsburg in 1555, which granted religious freedom to princes. Regensburg, a significant center for trade and Imperial Diets, used such small denomination billon coinage for local commerce, reflecting its economic vitality and assertion of imperial privilege amidst widespread political and religious change.

Artistry: The specific engraver for such a modest denomination from a Free City mint is typically unrecorded. However, the coin's design adheres to the late Renaissance German numismatic tradition, characterized by a pragmatic yet often symbolic approach. Given its size and value, the design would have been necessarily simple, likely featuring the city's armorial bearings—the crossed keys of Saint Peter—on one side, symbolizing its patron saint and ecclesiastical heritage. The reverse would typically display an imperial orb or a minimalist cross with the denomination, reflecting the city's imperial allegiance. The style would be functional, prioritizing legibility over elaborate artistic flourishes, common for low-value billon issues of the period.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon with a fineness of .313 silver, this 1 Pfennig weighs 0.81 grams and measures 16.73 millimeters. Due to its low silver content and small flan, these coins are frequently encountered with an irregular strike, often off-center, and exhibiting weak details. High points for wear would typically be the central elements of the city arms, such as the bows of the keys, or any imperial symbols. The lettering, if present, is prone to flatness or incomplete impressions. The billon composition also renders these pieces susceptible to environmental damage, including corrosion and heavy patination, which can obscure finer details and impact overall eye appeal.