11/3 Thaler - Charles Louis and Henry Christian Frederick

Historical Context: The 1796 11/3 Thaler from the County of Stolberg-Stolberg is a significant numismatic artifact from the twilight of the Holy Roman Empire. Issued under the joint rule of Charles Louis and Henry Christian Frederick, this coin highlights the continued sovereignty of smaller German principalities amidst the French Revolutionary Wars. Stolberg-Stolberg, a modest county, maintained its coinage rights, reflecting its imperial immediacy. The co-regency was a common dynastic practice, characteristic of the fragmented German political landscape before Napoleonic influence.

Artistry: Stylistically, this 11/3 Thaler embodies the late Baroque aesthetic prevalent in smaller German states, with subtle nascent Neoclassical influences. While the engraver is typically anonymous, designs for co-regencies usually feature conjoined busts of Charles Louis and Henry Christian Frederick on the obverse, rendered with formal realism. The reverse would display the elaborate crowned coat of arms of Stolberg-Stolberg, incorporating the denomination and date, encircled by titular legends. The design conveyed the rulers' authority and the county's heraldic tradition.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 26.29 grams of silver, this 11/3 Thaler exhibits strike characteristics common to regional mints of the late 18th century. High-points for wear and strike quality include the highest relief areas of the rulers' hair, facial features, and intricate attire on the obverse. On the reverse, the crown, fine lines of the armorial bearings, and small legend elements are critical indicators. Stronger strikes show full definition; weaker strikes, not uncommon, might result in flatness or minor planchet imperfections, impacting the overall grade.