The 1621 date places this squarely in the Kipper- und Wipperzeit, the currency crisis that swept the Holy Roman Empire at the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War. Mints across the Empire — including minor princely operations like Anhalt's — exploited the chaos by debasing coinage while nominally maintaining face values. The five co-ruling princes of Anhalt, who governed the fragmented principality jointly after the division of 1603, each had standing to authorize such issues, which explains the crowded attribution on this type.
The 24 Kreuzer denomination was a favored vehicle for debasement during this period precisely because its high face value invited manipulation.
The 1621 date places this squarely in the Kipper- und Wipperzeit, the currency crisis that swept the Holy Roman Empire at the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War. Mints across the Empire — including minor princely operations like Anhalt's — exploited the chaos by debasing coinage while nominally maintaining face values. The five co-ruling princes of Anhalt, who governed the fragmented principality jointly after the division of 1603, each had standing to authorize such issues, which explains the crowded attribution on this type.
The 24 Kreuzer denomination was a favored vehicle for debasement during this period precisely because its high face value invited manipulation.