17 Kreuzers - Maria Theresia Hall

Historical Context: This 17 Kreuzers coin, struck at the Hall mint for the County of Tyrol between 1751 and 1763, belongs to the extensive coinage of Maria Theresia (1740-1780). Her reign marked a pivotal era for the Habsburg Monarchy, characterized by significant administrative reforms, military conflicts like the Seven Years' War, and economic restructuring. The issuance of this denomination underscores the complex monetary system of the time, integrating regional currencies within the broader imperial standard and reflecting Tyrol's integral, albeit semi-autonomous, status within the Habsburg domains.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this issue typically adheres to the late Baroque and early Rococo styles prevalent in mid-18th century Central Europe. While specific engraver names from the Hall mint are generally not recorded for these denominations, the design features a regal and idealized bust of Maria Theresia on the obverse, often depicted draped and diademed, projecting imperial authority and grace. The reverse commonly showcases the crowned double-headed imperial eagle or the Tyrolean eagle, encircled by the denomination and mintmark, rendered with the detailed heraldry characteristic of Habsburg coinage.

Technical/Grading: From a technical and grading perspective, the high-points most susceptible to wear on the obverse typically include the highest curls of Maria Theresia's hair, the diadem or crown, and the folds of her shoulder drapery. On the reverse, the eagle's breast feathers, the tips of its wings, and the imperial crown are most prone to abrasion. Struck on a 29mm flan from .562 fine silver, weighing 6.12 grams, these coins often exhibit varying strike quality, with some examples displaying areas of weakness in the central motifs or peripheral legends due to worn dies or inconsistent striking pressure.