10 Kreuzers - Louis Frederick Charles

Issuer Hohenlohe-Neuenstein-Öhringen, County of
Year 1785
Type Standard circulation coin
Value 10 Kreuzers (⅙)
Currency Thaler
Composition Silver
Weight
Diameter 24 mm
Thickness
Shape Round
Technique
Orientation
Engraver(s)
In circulation to
Reference(s) KM#60, Albrecht#174
Obverse description Ornate shield with multiple arms within crowned mantle.
Obverse script Latin
Obverse lettering FÜRSTLICH HOHENL:NEUENST: CONV: MÜNZ.
Reverse description Value and date within ornate frame, `10` in cartouche below. Mintmark at sides and below date, but outside the cartouche.
Reverse script Latin
Reverse lettering 120 EINE FEINE MARCK 1785 K. (N) R.
Edge
Mint
Mintage 1785 K(N)R - -
Numisquare ID 1151452280
Additional information

Historical Context: This 1785 10 Kreuzers coin was issued by Louis Frederick Charles (Ludwig Friedrich Karl), Count of Hohenlohe-Neuenstein-Öhringen. His rule, from 1765 to 1805, spanned a transformative period in the Holy Roman Empire, preceding Napoleonic reorganizations. The County, part of the Swabian Circle, maintained its sovereign right to mint coinage, essential for local commerce and asserting ducal authority. The Kreuzer, a widely accepted silver denomination, facilitated trade across various German territories.

Artistry: The design of this 10 Kreuzers piece reflects prevalent stylistic trends of late 18th-century German numismatics, transitioning from late Baroque towards a more restrained Neoclassical aesthetic. While the engraver's name is unrecorded for smaller mints, the craftsmanship was by a court artist. The obverse features a dignified bust of Louis Frederick Charles, emphasizing his regal presence. The reverse displays the intricate Hohenlohe arms, often crowned, alongside the denomination and date, all rendered with clear precision.

Technical/Grading: As a silver issue, this coin's strike quality varies. Key high-points susceptible to wear include the highest contours of the ruler's hair, ear, and shoulder drapery. On the reverse, raised elements of the Hohenlohe coat of arms, like the lion's mane, eagle's feathers, or coronet details, are often the first to show loss of definition. Minting practices of the era, particularly in smaller regional mints, could result in minor planchet imperfections or slight strike weakness, especially in peripheral legends, impacting overall sharpness.

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