10 Kreuzers - Louis Frederick Charles

Historical Context: The 1785 10 Kreuzers of Louis Frederick Charles underscores Hohenlohe-Neuenstein-Öhringen's enduring sovereignty within the Holy Roman Empire. As a member of the Swabian Circle, this independent county retained minting rights. Louis Frederick Charles, ruling from 1765, was a typical enlightened absolutist prince. The Kreuzer, a standard silver denomination in southern Germany, was vital for local commerce and asserting princely authority in the stable, fragmented late 18th-century German political landscape.

Artistry: Numismatic artistry for smaller German states of this period typically exhibits a late Baroque to early Neoclassical style. Specific engraver signatures for Hohenlohe-Neuenstein-Öhringen coinage are rarely documented; craftsmanship aligns with regional traditions. The obverse likely features a formal, profiled bust of Count Louis Frederick Charles, with contemporary wig and attire, embodying princely dignity. The reverse prominently displays the intricate Hohenlohe coat of arms—a complex heraldic device symbolizing family lineage, territorial claims, often crowned and detailed.

Technical/Grading: For this 10 Kreuzers type, critical grading points are in the highest relief areas. On the obverse bust, assess the wig's curls, ear, and facial features (nose, chin) for wear. On the reverse, scrutinize intricate details within the quartered Hohenlohe shield (eagles, lions, bars) and the crown's filigree. Wear first manifests as flattening of these fine designs. Sharpness of the legend and field preservation are crucial for higher grades.