1 vierling - Rodolphe VIII

Historical Context: The 1 vierling of Rodolphe VIII (Rudolf VIII) represents the final independent coinage of the Lordship and County of Diepholz, a minor principality within the Holy Roman Empire, located in modern-day Lower Saxony. Issued between 1483 and 1510, this period marked the twilight of Diepholz’s autonomy under its last male heir. As a small denomination, the vierling played a crucial role in local commerce, facilitating daily transactions for a populace reliant on fractional currency. Its minting underscored Diepholz’s sovereign rights during an era of increasing territorial consolidation among larger German states.

Artistry: The engraver of this diminutive coin remains anonymous, typical for regional issues of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Stylistically, the 1 vierling adheres to the functional, often simplified aesthetic characteristic of late Gothic German numismatic art. Given its extremely small flan, the design would have been necessarily compact. Common motifs for such coins from Diepholz include a simplified cross, often a local shield or coat of arms, and abbreviated legends bearing the ruler's name or title, reflecting the limited space for intricate detail.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver and weighing a mere 0.21 grams, this 1 vierling is an exceedingly fragile piece, susceptible to wear and damage. High-points for preservation would typically include the central elements of any cross or shield and the raised portions of the legend. Due to the hammered minting process of the era, examples often exhibit weak strikes, off-center alignments, and irregular flan shapes. The thinness of the flan makes full, crisp details rare, and collectors frequently encounter specimens with partial strikes or planchet imperfections.