Catalog
| Issuer | Frankfurt, Free imperial city of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1862-1865 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 7⁄4 Gulden = 1 Vereinsthaler = 1⁄30 Metric Pound (1.75) |
| Currency | Gulden (1838-1866) |
| Composition | Silver (.900) |
| Weight | 18.52 g |
| Diameter | 33 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | A.V.Nordheim |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#370, Jaeg 6 FHI#42b, AKS#10, Dav GT III#652 |
| Obverse description | Frankofurthia |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | FREIE STADT FRANKFURT A.V.NORDHEIM |
| Reverse description | Crowned eagle, legend around. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | * EIN VEREINSTHALER * XXX EIN PFUND FEIN * 1862 |
| Edge | Inscripted |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1862 - - 312 000 1863 - - 21 000 1864 - - 105 013 1865 - - 206 693 |
| Numisquare ID | 1088084390 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1 Vereinsthaler of 1862-1865 signifies the Free Imperial City of Frankfurt's adherence to the Vereinsthaler monetary union, a cornerstone of the German Confederation. Frankfurt, a vital financial hub, maintained its self-governing status under a city council during this era. These issues represent the final years of Frankfurt's sovereignty, preceding its annexation by Prussia after the 1866 Austro-Prussian War, thus marking the end of its independent coinage.
Artistry: The coin's design exemplifies the neoclassical style prevalent in 19th-century German numismatics, favoring clear heraldic symbolism. While specific engravers varied, August von Nordheim was a key medalist for Frankfurt during this period. The obverse features the crowned double-headed eagle of Frankfurt, encircled by "FREIE STADT FRANKFURT" and the date. The reverse displays "EIN VEREINSTHALER" within an oak wreath, denoting its "VEREINSMÜNZE" (Union Coin) status.
Technical/Grading: High-points for grading include the eagle's heads, wings, and crown on the obverse, and the intricate details of the oak wreath and lettering on the reverse. Given the striking methods of the period, some central softness or flatness on the eagle's breast is not uncommon. Premium examples exhibit a strong, even strike across the entire flan, with sharp legends and full detail in the wreath, reflecting superior production quality.