1 Thaler

Historical Context: This 1 Thaler coin, struck between 1600 and 1610, represents a fascinating period of collective governance within the House of Hohenlohe, a prominent noble family in the Holy Roman Empire. Issued as a joint coinage, it signifies a shared minting prerogative among various Hohenlohe lines, likely Hohenlohe-Neuenstein and Hohenlohe-Waldenburg, reflecting family compacts or territorial agreements common among fragmented German states. This era, preceding the devastating Thirty Years' War, was a period of relative stability, allowing for the consistent production of such significant silver currency, crucial for regional commerce and demonstrating the collective authority of the ruling counts.

Artistry: The design of this Thaler is characteristic of late Renaissance to early Baroque German numismatic art. While a specific engraver is not recorded, the stylistic school emphasizes detailed heraldry, a hallmark of coinage from numerous German principalities. The obverse typically features a complex, multi-quartered shield displaying the combined armorial bearings of the participating Hohenlohe lines, often surmounted by a count's crown and supported by lions or eagles. The reverse commonly depicts the imperial eagle, symbolizing their fealty to the Holy Roman Emperor, or another significant dynastic emblem, all executed with robust lettering and intricate detailing.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a broad silver flan measuring 40.5mm, this 1 Thaler often exhibits varying strike qualities typical of early 17th-century minting. High-points for wear and strike analysis include the fine details of the heraldic devices, such as the crowns atop the shields, the individual feathers of any eagles, and the intricate lines within the quartered arms. Due to the large diameter and manual striking methods, examples may show areas of weakness, particularly at the periphery or in the central elements of complex shields, where insufficient striking pressure or die wear could lead to softness. Planchet quality can also vary, occasionally presenting minor laminations or irregular surfaces.