1 Pfennig - John Frederick Charles of Ostein

Historical Context: The 1760 1 Pfennig from the State of Erfurt was issued under John Frederick Charles of Ostein (Johann Friedrich Karl Ambrosius Graf von Ostein), the Archbishop-Elector of Mainz and Prince-Bishop of Worms. Erfurt, an important city within the Holy Roman Empire, was an electoral principality of Mainz. The year 1760 falls squarely within the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), a period of immense political and economic upheaval across the German states. This copper Pfennig, a crucial small denomination, reflects the ongoing need for stable currency in daily transactions amidst wartime conditions and the administrative complexities of a semi-autonomous territory under an ecclesiastical ruler.

Artistry: The artistry of this specific 1760 Pfennig adheres to the late Baroque or early Rococo stylistic traditions common in German state coinage of the era. For a low-denomination copper issue, the design emphasizes legibility and functional identification over intricate artistic flourishes. The obverse typically features the ruler's crowned monogram (JFC) or a simplified version of his armorial bearings, while the reverse displays the denomination "1 PFENNIG" and the date "1760," often within a basic wreath or ornamental border. Specific engraver signatures are exceedingly rare and generally not associated with such utilitarian issues from Erfurt's mint during this period.

Technical/Grading: For grading this copper 1 Pfennig, key high-points on the obverse include the central elements of the monogram or arms, particularly any crown details, and the outer points of the lettering in the surrounding legend. On the reverse, the sharpness of the "1 PFENNIG" inscription and the date "1760" are paramount, along with any fine details within accompanying ornamentation. Due to the nature of copper coinage from this period, strike weakness, especially at the peripheries, and environmental damage (corrosion, planchet flaws) are common. Specimens exhibiting a strong, centered strike with minimal wear on the highest design elements and clear legends are considered exceptional.