15 Kreuzers - Maria Theresia

Historical Context: This 15 Kreuzers coin, issued between 1775 and 1777, represents Empress Maria Theresia's monetary authority over the Austrian Partition of Poland. Acquired after the First Partition of Poland in 1772, these territories, primarily Galicia and Lodomeria, were integrated into the Habsburg realm. The coin was crucial for asserting imperial sovereignty and economic control in these new eastern provinces, reflecting Maria Theresia's extensive administrative reforms and geopolitical influence during her long and impactful reign.

Artistry: The coin's design typically features a mature, veiled bust of Maria Theresia on the obverse, often facing right, embodying imperial gravitas. While specific engravers for this series are not always individually attributed, the style reflects the refined late Baroque or early Rococo aesthetic prevalent in Habsburg mints of the period. The reverse generally displays the crowned double-headed imperial eagle, bearing a shield with provincial arms, symbolizing the vast reach of the Austrian Empire and its dominion over diverse territories.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this 15 Kreuzers piece measures 28mm in diameter and weighs 5.4 grams. Key high-points susceptible to wear on the obverse include the highest folds of the empress's veil, her hair above the ear, and the tip of her nose. On the reverse, the eagle's breast feathers, the crown details, and the wingtips are most vulnerable. Strike quality can vary; some examples exhibit minor planchet flaws or unevenness, characteristic of late 18th-century minting, but well-struck pieces exhibit sharp details.