2 Groschen - Elizabeth

Historical Context: The 2 Groschen coin of Elizabeth was issued during the Russian occupation of Eastern Prussia amidst the Seven Years' War (1756-1763). Empress Elizabeth Petrovna (r. 1741-1762) asserted Russian authority over the region after its capture in 1758. These coins, struck at the Königsberg mint, served as essential circulating currency for the occupied populace and to provision Russian troops, symbolizing the temporary annexation of Prussian territory into the Russian Empire.

Artistry: The design, likely executed by local Prussian mint engravers under Russian supervision, reflects a pragmatic blend of styles. The obverse typically features the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle, crowned and bearing a shield, a clear emblem of Russian sovereignty. The reverse displays Elizabeth's ornate crowned cypher ("E"), flanked by the denomination "2 GROSCH" and the date, often with a mintmark. The aesthetic prioritizes clear legibility over elaborate artistic flourishes, characteristic of wartime billon issues.

Technical/Grading: As a billon issue, this coin often exhibits strike inconsistencies. Key high-points for preservation assessment include the crowns on the eagle's heads and the details of the breast shield on the obverse. On the reverse, the crown surmounting Elizabeth's cypher and the intricate loops of the cypher itself are critical. Due to the base metal composition and wartime production, weak strikes, planchet irregularities, and surface pitting are common, necessitating careful evaluation of legend clarity and overall detail retention.