1 Pfennig - John Ⅳ

Historical Context: This 1 Pfennig coin was issued under John IV, Landgrave of Leuchtenberg, during his reign from 1487 to 1531. This period marked a pivotal transition in the Holy Roman Empire, bridging the late medieval era with the nascent German Renaissance and the dawn of the Reformation. As a regional lord, John IV exercised his right of coinage (Münzrecht), demonstrating the autonomy of Leuchtenberg. The Pfennig, a ubiquitous small silver denomination, was crucial for daily commerce within the landgraviate, reflecting the economic realities of the time.

Artistry: The artistry of this Pfennig is characteristic of late medieval German numismatics, with engravers typically remaining anonymous. The design, while simplified due to the coin's diminutive size and low relief, would likely feature the Landgrave's name or title surrounding a central heraldic device, such as the Leuchtenberg lion or a simplified bust, on the obverse. The reverse commonly displayed a cross pattee or another armorial element. Stylistically, these coins prioritized legibility of essential information over intricate detail, reflecting the functional nature of small currency.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this coin weighs a mere 0.25 grams and measures 14 millimeters, making it exceptionally thin and prone to damage. High-points susceptible to wear or weak strike typically include the center of any depicted cross, the highest relief elements of a shield, or the top of a crown. As a hammered issue, examples frequently exhibit off-center strikes, irregular planchet shapes, and partial legends or device details. Full, sharp strikes are rare, and careful examination for planchet integrity and minimal circulation wear is paramount for grading.