1 Thaler

Historical Context: This 1542 1 Thaler coin originates from Kaufbeuren, a Free Imperial City within the Holy Roman Empire. Minted during Emperor Charles V's reign, this era saw the burgeoning Reformation and escalating political tensions preceding the Schmalkaldic War. Issuing its own Thaler underscored Kaufbeuren's sovereign rights, economic prosperity, and vital role in the Empire's decentralized structure, asserting autonomy through a universally recognized monetary standard.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains unrecorded, the coin exemplifies the German Renaissance stylistic school, blending late Gothic precision with emerging Renaissance naturalism. The obverse typically features the majestic Imperial Eagle, symbolizing allegiance to the Emperor, often with the city's arms on its breast. The reverse displays Kaufbeuren's prominent civic coat of arms—a tower—encircled by the city's name, denomination, and date, reflecting its identity and minting authority.

Technical/Grading: For this Thaler, critical high-points for assessing wear include the intricate details of the Imperial Eagle's feathers and crown on the obverse. On the reverse, the definition of the tower's masonry and roof, along with the crispness of the surrounding legend, are key indicators. Technical strike qualities often exhibit characteristic irregularities of the period, such as minor planchet imperfections, uneven strike pressure leading to weaker relief, and slight die misalignment, common for mid-16th century minting.