1 Scherf

Historical Context: The 1 Scherf, issued by the Free Imperial City of Lüneburg between 1531 and 1547, represents a crucial low-denomination copper coinage during a period of profound change in the Holy Roman Empire. Lüneburg, a prominent member of the Hanseatic League renowned for its salt production, navigated the tumultuous currents of the Reformation and the Schmalkaldic War (1546-1547). As an autonomous city-state, its municipal council governed its affairs, including the minting of currency essential for local commerce and the daily transactions of its citizens amidst economic shifts and religious upheaval.

Artistry: For this small-diameter copper Scherf (13mm), the identity of a specific engraver is typically unrecorded, reflecting its utilitarian nature. The stylistic school leans towards a pragmatic German Renaissance aesthetic, prioritizing legibility and symbolic recognition over intricate detail. The design likely features simplified motifs, such as the city's arms—a lion rampant—or a prominent cross on one side, with a minimal inscription or denomination on the other. Such designs, while basic, served to clearly identify the issuing authority and value, consistent with small change production of the era.

Technical/Grading: When assessing a 1 Scherf, collectors should note common technical characteristics. High-points susceptible to wear typically include the central elements of any cross design, the lion's head or body if present, and the raised edges of lettering or border elements. Due to the rapid production of small copper coinage, strikes are frequently off-center, uneven, or weak, often failing to fully impress the design across the entire 13mm planchet. Planchets themselves can exhibit irregularities, such as rough edges, laminations, or minor cracks, which are characteristic of 16th-century copper minting.