28 Stüber Klippe

Historical Context: The 28 Stüber Klippe, issued by the City of Emden between 1624 and 1637, emerges from a tumultuous period defined by the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). Emden, a crucial East Frisian port and a staunchly Calvinist free imperial city, fiercely maintained its autonomy against the Counts of East Frisia and the broader imperial conflicts. This silver coinage reflects Emden's economic stability, driven by its robust maritime trade, particularly with the Dutch Republic, and its independent minting rights. The Klippe format signifies a deliberate issuance of a substantial, reliable currency vital for commerce and civic self-governance during a turbulent era.

Artistry: The design of this Klippe exemplifies the Late Renaissance/Early Baroque aesthetic characteristic of Northern European mercantile centers. While specific engravers for Emden's municipal mint are largely unrecorded for this period, the stylistic emphasis is on clear, precise heraldry. The obverse typically features the city's crowned harpy arms flanked by lions, rendered with a functional yet detailed precision befitting a commercial power. The distinctive square or rhomboid format of the Klippe itself is a deliberate artistic and practical choice, differentiating these issues from conventional round coinage.

Technical/Grading: Key grading considerations for the 28 Stüber Klippe center on the integrity of its distinctive square planchet, particularly the corners and edges, which are highly susceptible to wear, damage, or clipping. On the obverse, critical points for detail include the sharpness of the harpy's facial features, the intricate details of its wings, and the musculature of the flanking lions. The crown's jewels and the clarity of surrounding legends are also vital. On the reverse, assess the legibility of the denomination and date within any decorative cartouche, along with the overall strike quality and planchet evenness.