1 Witten Dreipasswitten

Historical Context: Hamburg's 1400 Dreipasswitten originates from the zenith of the Hanseatic League's power, with the Free Hanseatic City a dominant commercial force in Northern Europe. As a key member of the Wendish Monetary Union, Hamburg played a pivotal role in standardizing regional coinage. This 1.29-gram silver Witten was a vital denomination for daily transactions and trade, reflecting the city's economic autonomy and monetary policy within the League. Its issuance underscores Hamburg's significant standing in late medieval commerce.

Artistry: The artistry of the 1400 Dreipasswitten reflects late Gothic numismatic style prevalent in Northern Germany. No specific engraver is known; dies were crafted by skilled mint masters. The design typically features a prominent cross on the obverse, often adorned with trefoils (Dreipass) in its angles, giving the coin its name. The reverse commonly displays the city's iconic three-towered castle, enclosed by a legend identifying Hamburg. This stylized representation of civic identity is characteristic of medieval municipal coinage.

Technical/Grading: Technically, the 1400 Dreipasswitten exhibits characteristics typical of medieval minting. High points for preservation include the central details of the castle's towers on the reverse and the cross core on the obverse. Legends, being peripheral and in shallower relief, are frequently susceptible to wear or weakness from an imperfect strike. Planchets are typically broad, thin, and often irregular. Strikes are commonly off-center, leading to partial legends or design elements; variations in metal purity or thickness are not uncommon.