1 Shilling - George II August

Historical Context: This 1 Shilling coin, issued between 1737 and 1738, represents the Duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg under the rule of George II August. As King of Great Britain and Elector of Hanover, George II held Saxe-Lauenburg in personal union, a testament to the intricate dynastic and territorial arrangements within the Holy Roman Empire. This issue underscores the Hanoverian claim and administrative presence in the duchy, a strategically important but geographically distinct possession. The coin served as local currency, affirming the sovereign's authority in a region far removed from his primary domains.

Artistry: The design of this period typically adheres to a Late Baroque stylistic school, characterized by formal portraiture and heraldic precision. While the specific engraver for such minor denominations is often unrecorded, the obverse likely features a laureated bust of George II, depicted with the idealized dignity expected of a monarch. The reverse would typically display the crowned ducal arms of Saxe-Lauenburg, often incorporating elements of the Hanoverian arms, alongside the denomination and date, all rendered within a classical or restrained cartouche, reflecting the prevailing aesthetic tastes.

Technical/Grading: At a diminutive 16 mm diameter and weighing just 0.95 grams of silver, this 1 Shilling coin is a small piece, often prone to striking inconsistencies. High-points susceptible to wear include the highest relief areas of the laurel wreath and hair on the obverse portrait, and the crown or prominent heraldic features on the reverse. Due to the modest flan size and the striking technology of the era, examples frequently exhibit weak strikes, particularly at the peripheries, and planchet irregularities or minor off-centering are common, impacting overall sharpness and detail.