1 Pfennig - Charles Wolfgang and Louis XV

Historical Context: This 1 Pfennig, issued 1530-1534, represents the joint rule of Counts Charles Wolfgang and Louis XV of Öttingen. The County of Öttingen, a small but sovereign territory within the Holy Roman Empire, maintained its regalian rights, including coinage. This period saw the early Reformation and significant political shifts. Such small silver denominations were crucial for daily commerce, reflecting the economic stability and autonomy of the Öttingen dynasty.

Artistry: Given its diminutive 14mm size and fractional denomination, this Pfennig’s artistry is functionally simple, typical of the early 16th century. While a specific engraver is unrecorded, the style reflects a local interpretation of late Gothic or nascent Renaissance numismatic art. The design typically features the Öttingen coat of arms—a lion or specific dynastic charges—encircled by abbreviated names and titles of the two ruling counts, emphasizing their shared authority.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver on a tiny 0.25 gram planchet, this Pfennig often exhibits characteristics of early modern minting. High-points for preservation assessment include the central elements of the coat of arms and outer legends. Due to manual striking, examples frequently display off-center strikes, irregular flan shapes, and variable strike strength, with peripheral details often weaker. Planchet quality varies, and wear is common on such small, thin pieces, making well-preserved specimens highly desirable.