1 Witten

Historical Context: The 1 Witten, issued by the City of Friedland between 1381 and 1400, represents a significant example of late medieval urban coinage within the Holy Roman Empire. During this period, Friedland, located in Mecklenburg, exercised its Münzrecht, reflecting the growing economic power and autonomy of cities. This coin circulated within the broader influence of the Wendish Monetary Union, a crucial alliance of northern German cities aimed at standardizing currency in the Baltic region. Its issuance underscores Friedland's commercial importance and its participation in regional trade networks.

Artistry: The engraver of this Friedland Witten remains anonymous, typical for municipal issues of the era. Stylistically, the coin adheres to the Late Gothic tradition, characterized by robust, somewhat simplified designs. The obverse likely features a prominent cross, while the reverse would display the city's arms, probably a crowned eagle, within a shield. The design prioritizes clear identification of the issuer and denomination, with artistic detail constrained by the small flan size and the practical demands of mass production.

Technical/Grading: Given its specifications (0.69 g silver), this Witten would have been struck on a relatively small, often irregular flan. High-points for wear or strike weakness typically include the central devices, such as the arms or cross, and the legends surrounding them. Medieval minting techniques often resulted in off-center strikes, planchet irregularities, and variable strike pressure, leading to areas of flatness or incomplete detail. Collectors should anticipate these characteristics as inherent to the coin's historical production methods.