1 Witten - Christina

Historical Context: This 1 Witten coin was issued under Queen Christina of Sweden, whose reign (1632-1654) marked a pivotal era following the Thirty Years' War. Pomerania, a significant acquisition for Sweden through the Treaty of Westphalia (1648), was integrated into the Swedish dominion. This coin thus symbolizes Swedish sovereignty over its new Baltic territories, serving as a practical medium of exchange for daily commerce in a region undergoing political and economic transition under the Swedish crown.

Artistry: The design of this small silver denomination reflects the prevalent early Baroque style, tempered by the practicalities of a regional mint. While specific engravers are rarely attributed for such minor issues, the artistry typically features a crowned monogram of Christina (CR) on the obverse, symbolizing royal authority. The reverse commonly displays the imperial orb (Reichsapfel) enclosing the denomination '1' or '1 WITTEN', often accompanied by the date, executed with a focus on clear legibility rather than elaborate ornamentation.

Technical/Grading: Given its diminutive size and weight (0.54g), the 1 Witten often exhibits characteristics typical of 17th-century small silver coinage. High points prone to wear include the details of the crown on the monogram and any fine lines within the orb. Strikes are frequently weak or off-center, leading to partial legends or indistinct features. Planchets are typically thin, irregularly shaped, and may show laminations or surface imperfections, requiring careful assessment of the remaining design elements for accurate grading.