1 Wittenpfennig - Henry IV

Historical Context: This 1 Wittenpfennig coin, issued in 1512 by the Principality of Brunswick-Grubenhagen, dates to the reign of Duke Henry IV (1494-1526). The early 16th century was a period of complex political fragmentation within the Holy Roman Empire, with numerous smaller principalities like Grubenhagen asserting their sovereign rights, including the privilege of coinage. The Wittenpfennig, a small silver denomination, served as essential small change in northern German commerce, reflecting the local economic needs and the duke's authority in a time preceding the widespread adoption of larger thaler-sized silver coins and the tumultuous shifts of the Reformation.

Artistry: The design of this Wittenpfennig typically adheres to the prevalent late Gothic German numismatic style of the era. While a specific engraver is highly unlikely to be identifiable for such a common, small-denomination issue, the dies would have been cut by a local mint master or artisan. The artistry is characterized by its functional simplicity, often featuring a simplified heraldic device—such as the lion of Brunswick or the arms of Grubenhagen—on one side, and the ruler's name or a simplified cross on the other, surrounded by an abbreviated legend. The lettering would be robust, often somewhat crude, but clear enough for recognition.

Technical/Grading: Struck from silver, weighing 0.97 grams, this hammered coin typically exhibits characteristics common to its production method. High-points susceptible to wear or weak strike include the central elements of the heraldic device (e.g., lion's head, crown details) and the outer portions of the legends. Technical strike qualities often vary significantly, with common issues including off-center strikes, irregular planchet shapes, and uneven metal flow, leading to areas of weakness or flatness. The dies themselves were frequently hand-cut, resulting in minor variations between individual examples.