1 Schilling - Bogislaw X Damm

Historical Context: This 1 Schilling piece, struck in 1494 at Damm under Bogislaw X (1454–1523), represents a pivotal period in Pomeranian history. Bogislaw X, known as "the Great," successfully unified the fragmented Duchy of Pomerania after decades of partition, consolidating ducal power and fostering economic stability. The Schilling, a common silver denomination across the Baltic region, facilitated local and regional trade, reflecting Pomerania's strategic position between the rising powers of Brandenburg and the Hanseatic League. The Damm mint (now Dąbie) was one of several ducal mints active during his reign, underscoring the decentralized yet unified monetary policy.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this Schilling aligns with the prevailing late Gothic numismatic traditions of the North German and Baltic regions. Specific engravers (or *formschneider*) for such ducal issues are rarely documented, suggesting mint masters or skilled artisans were responsible for die production. The design typically features the ducal arms—most prominently the griffin of Pomerania—often rendered in a stylized, heraldic manner. Lettering, though functional, frequently exhibits variations in form and spacing, characteristic of hand-engraved dies. Relief is generally shallow, a pragmatic consideration for efficient striking of numerous small silver pieces.

Technical/Grading: For this type, critical grading points include the sharpness and completeness of the griffin's details on the obverse, particularly its head, wings, and claws. The peripheral legend, often weakly struck or off-center due to the relatively broad diameter (21 mm) for its weight (1.27 g), should be assessed for legibility. Planchet quality is also key; irregular flan shapes, laminations, or edge damage are common. The date "1494" and any mintmark, if present and clear, significantly enhance desirability. Fullness of strike on the highest points of the ducal shield or any coronet would indicate a premium example.