28 Stuber

Historical Context: Emden, a prominent Free Imperial City, issued this 28 Stuber between 1624 and 1637, a period profoundly shaped by the devastating Thirty Years' War. Despite the widespread conflict and economic upheaval across the Holy Roman Empire, Emden, strategically located in East Frisia, maintained its vital port status and considerable economic autonomy. The city’s right to mint substantial silver denominations like this 28 Stuber was a crucial assertion of its imperial freedom and served to facilitate regional trade and finance its own defenses amidst a volatile political landscape and fluctuating currency values.

Artistry: The design of the Emden 28 Stuber typically reflects the robust late Renaissance and early Baroque numismatic traditions prevalent in Northern German and Netherlandish mints. While the specific engraver responsible for these dies remains unrecorded, the stylistic school emphasizes clear, powerful heraldic representations. The obverse commonly features Emden's distinctive city arms—a crowned harpy or mermaid holding a sword and shield—while the reverse typically displays a crowned double-headed Imperial eagle, symbolizing the city's allegiance to the Holy Roman Empire, often accompanied by the denomination and date.

Technical/Grading: With a substantial weight of 19.6 grams and a broad diameter of 40 millimeters, this silver coinage often exhibits characteristics inherent to its period and minting process. High-points prone to wear or weakness include the intricate details of the crowns on both sides, the delicate feathers and sword of the harpy, and the fine lines within the Imperial eagle. Due to the relatively large and thin planchet, uneven striking pressure, minor flan irregularities, and slight off-centering are common technical qualities, making well-struck and centered examples particularly desirable to collectors.