1 Schilling - Bogislaw X Stettin

Historical Context: This 1499 1 Schilling coin was issued by Bogislaw X, Duke of Pomerania, a ruler renowned for unifying the duchy and establishing a strong central authority. His reign (1474-1523) marked a period of relative stability and consolidation, earning him the moniker "the Great." The coin, minted in Stettin, reflects the ducal administration's burgeoning power and economic presence at the close of the 15th century, a time of significant political and social transition in Northern Europe, just prior to the Reformation.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for late medieval provincial mints, the coin's design embodies the late Gothic aesthetic prevalent in Northern Germany. The obverse likely features the ducal griffin, a prominent heraldic device of Pomerania, often accompanied by the ruler's title. The reverse would typically display a cross or a monogram, surrounded by the mint city's name or a legend, executed with the stylized, somewhat rigid linearity characteristic of the era's die engraving, showing early Renaissance influences.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver with a modest weight of 1.29 grams and a 20 mm diameter, this Schilling often exhibits variability in strike quality. High-points susceptible to wear or weakness include the griffin's head and wings, and the finer details of any lettering or surrounding ornamentation. Collectors should anticipate potential minor planchet imperfections, slight off-centering, and areas of shallow strike, which are common for coinage produced by hand-hammering techniques of the period, impacting overall sharpness.