24 Mariengroschen

Historical Context: The City of Brunswick, a significant member of the Hanseatic League and a free imperial city within the fragmented Holy Roman Empire, issued this 24 Mariengroschen in 1676. This period, following the devastating Thirty Years' War, saw German states and cities asserting their economic autonomy and rebuilding their infrastructure. The Mariengroschen, a widely recognized silver denomination in northern Germany, underscored Brunswick's commercial prominence and its prerogative to mint coinage, reflecting its status as an independent entity amidst the broader political landscape of the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg.

Artistry: Artistically, this coin embodies the late Renaissance and emerging Baroque styles characteristic of German civic coinage. While a specific engraver for this issue is not definitively recorded, the design typically features the iconic Brunswick lion rampant on the obverse, often within an ornate shield or cartouche, symbolizing the city's enduring strength and independence. The reverse design customarily displays the denomination, date, and frequently a pious or civic inscription, executed with a blend of robust heraldic imagery and precise epigraphic work common to the era's municipal mints.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 16.99 grams and measuring 35 millimeters, this 24 Mariengroschen represents a substantial piece of circulating currency. For grading purposes, critical high-points include the intricate details of the lion's mane, musculature, and any crown or regalia, along with the sharpness of the lettering in the legends. Given the striking technology of the late 17th century, minor planchet irregularities, slight weakness in peripheral areas, or minor strike adjustments are not uncommon, but a well-preserved example will exhibit strong central details and clear legends.