1 Pfennig - Martin of Krenkingen

Historical Context: This 1501 silver Pfennig was issued under Martin of Krenkingen, Abbot of the Imperial Abbey of Reichenau (1492-1521). By the early 16th century, Reichenau, though historically significant, faced declining temporal power and financial strain, its imperial immediacy increasingly challenged. The Pfennig, a ubiquitous small denomination, served local trade within the Abbey's diminishing territories on Lake Constance. Its issuance in 1501 reflects the Abbey's continued, albeit weakening, minting prerogative amidst the broader political and economic shifts of the nascent German Renaissance.

Artistry: The anonymous die-engraver for this diminutive issue worked within the late Gothic stylistic conventions prevalent in Swabian ecclesiastical mints of the period. While specific engraver signatures are unknown for such small-denomination pfennigs from Reichenau, the artistry typically features simplified heraldic devices—often the Abbey's arms or the abbot's personal shield—and abbreviated Latin legends. The design prioritizes legibility over elaborate ornamentation, characteristic of practical, low-value coinage from the cusp of the 16th century.

Technical/Grading: Given its minuscule weight of 0.23 grams, this Pfennig type frequently exhibits striking imperfections. High-grade examples will feature a relatively full, centered strike, with clear definition of the central device (e.g., shield, crozier) and legible portions of the legend, particularly the abbot's name (MARTINVS) and title. Collectors should prioritize minimal flan irregularities, absence of significant planchet cracks, and a clear rendition of the date, if present and discernible. Even minor wear can severely impact the visibility of such delicate details.