1 Schilling - Wolter von Plettenberg and Michael Hildebrand Riga

Historical Context: This 1 Schilling, issued jointly by Wolter von Plettenberg, Master of the Livonian Order, and Michael Hildebrand, Archbishop of Riga, dates to a pivotal era (1500-1509). Plettenberg was a powerful leader who significantly strengthened the Order's position. Joint coinage underscores the complex power-sharing and economic cooperation between the secular Order and the ecclesiastical Archbishopric, despite their rivalries. Such issues highlighted a unified economic front and shared regional authority within the Livonian Confederation, reflecting a period of relative stability.

Artistry: The design reflects a late Gothic aesthetic with nascent Renaissance influences, typical for Northern European mints of this period. Engravers, generally anonymous, prioritized clear heraldic representations. The obverse likely features the Livonian Order's arms, possibly combined with Plettenberg’s personal insignia. The reverse displays the keys of St. Peter, emblematic of the Riga Archbishopric. Latin inscriptions identify the co-issuers and mint, executed in a robust, functional style, emphasizing legibility on the diminutive 18mm flan.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon with a .281 silver content, these coins often exhibit inherent production flaws. High-points for wear typically include crowns or specific details within the heraldic shields, and the outer edges of the legends. Common technical issues include off-center strikes, weak areas, particularly at the center, and irregular flan shapes. The low silver content rendered them susceptible to corrosion and heavy circulation wear. Well-preserved examples with full legends and crisp details are thus scarce, commanding premium valuations.