1 Thaler 2nd German Shooting Festival

Historical Context: The 1865 Bremen 1 Thaler commemorates the 2nd German Shooting Festival (Deutsches Bundesschießen), a significant pan-Germanic cultural event hosted by the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen. Held during the formative years of German unification, these festivals fostered a burgeoning sense of national identity and unity among the disparate German states. Bremen, a prominent trading hub, underscored its cultural and economic importance within the German Confederation during this period of profound political change.

Artistry: While a specific engraver for this commemorative Thaler is not always explicitly documented, the design style is characteristic of 19th-century German minting, likely from the Berlin Mint. The obverse features the traditional Bremen coat of arms, a crowned key, symbolizing the city's historical role. The reverse presents a powerful crowned eagle, a potent symbol of German nationalism and the Bund, grasping a sword and scepter, with a target below. This neoclassical yet distinctly nationalistic iconography perfectly encapsulates the festival's spirit and the era.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .986 silver, this 34mm Thaler typically exhibits a strong strike, though high-point wear is often observed on the eagle's crown and feather details on the reverse, and the intricacies of the key and crown on the obverse. Planchet quality is generally excellent, reflecting high German mint standards. Collectors should examine the sharpness of the target and wreath elements, as well as the legend, for a full strike. Its commemorative nature often results in higher preservation, making well-struck examples desirable.