1 Pfennig - George V

Historical Context: This 1 Pfennig coin was issued under George V (Georg V) of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, who reigned from 1607 to 1631. The 1610-1615 period predates the Thirty Years' War, a time of increasing political and religious tension within the Holy Roman Empire. As a minor, independent county, Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg exercised its sovereign right to mint coinage. This small copper denomination was crucial for local commerce, reflecting the economic autonomy and practical needs of the populace in a fragmented German landscape.

Artistry: The specific engraver for such utilitarian copper issues from smaller German states remains typically unrecorded, likely an anonymous craftsman from the local mint workshop. Stylistically, the coin adheres to the practical, late Renaissance or early Baroque aesthetic common for minor German coinage of the period. Given its diminutive size, the design prioritizes clarity over elaborate detail, likely featuring a simplified rendition of the ruler's initial or monogram on the obverse, with the county's arms or denomination on the reverse.

Technical/Grading: For this copper Pfennig, critical high-points for assessing wear include the raised elements of any central monogram or heraldic device, and the outer edges of inscriptions. Striking quality from 17th-century smaller mints often varies, with weak strikes, off-center planchets, and irregular flan shapes common due to manual hammer striking. Copper's susceptibility to environmental damage means corrosion and surface pitting are frequently encountered, making well-preserved, problem-free examples particularly scarce and desirable.