11/2 Pfennig

Historical Context: Issued by the City of Osnabrück in 1731, this 11/2 Pfennig reflects the complex political structure of the Holy Roman Empire. Osnabrück was a Prince-Bishopric under Clemens August of Bavaria, ruler of several ecclesiastical territories. This precise fractional denomination underscores the practical demand for small change in local commerce, supporting daily transactions and affirming the city's sovereign right to issue coinage during post-Thirty Years' War economic recovery.

Artistry: While the engraver for this low-denomination copper coin is typically unrecorded, its design aligns with the late Baroque style prevalent in German municipal coinage. The obverse likely presents the denomination "1 1/2 PFENNIG" and the date "1731" clearly, often within a simple frame. The reverse would prominently feature the iconic Osnabrück wheel, the city's ancient civic emblem, rendered with straightforward detail, symbolizing its municipal identity.

Technical/Grading: As a copper utility issue, this 11/2 Pfennig often displays typical manufacturing characteristics. High points prone to wear include the spokes and rim of the Osnabrück wheel, and the upper serifs of the date and denomination. Strike quality varies; common issues include slight off-center strikes, planchet imperfections, and occasional weakness, particularly at the edges. A premium example would exhibit sharp details on the wheel and clear legends, free from significant flan defects.