1 Sechsling - Magnus II and Balthasar Güstrow

Historical Context: This 1 Sechsling coin was issued under the joint rule of Magnus II and Balthasar Güstrow, Dukes of Mecklenburg, a significant principality within the Holy Roman Empire. Their co-regency, spanning from 1477 to 1503, represents a period of consolidation and political maneuvering in late medieval Germany. The Sechsling, a common small silver denomination, played a crucial role in local commerce and daily transactions, reflecting the economic vitality of the region. Its issuance underscores the ducal prerogative of coinage and the continued importance of silver currency in a fragmented monetary landscape prior to broader imperial reforms.

Artistry: The design of this Sechsling adheres to the prevalent late Gothic numismatic style, characterized by its functional yet symbolic heraldic elements. While specific engravers are rarely documented for such small-denomination medieval issues, the mint masters would have overseen the die production. Typical designs for Mecklenburg Sechslinge feature the ducal bull's head or other dynastic arms on the obverse, often encircled by a legend detailing the rulers' names or titles. The reverse commonly displays a long cross or a cross fleury, sometimes with additional heraldic elements in the angles, all executed with a practical, robust aesthetic suited for mass production.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver with a weight of 1.16 grams, this hammered coinage often exhibits characteristic irregularities. High points susceptible to wear typically include the details of the bull's head (horns, mane), the central elements of any cross design, and the lettering of the legends. Technical strike qualities frequently vary, ranging from slightly off-center strikes to areas of weak impression, particularly on the periphery, due to the manual striking process and uneven planchet preparation. Collectors should assess the sharpness of the central devices and the legibility of the legends for optimal grading, noting that full, even strikes are less common for this type.