3 Grossi - Franz II Coin for the Imperial Austrian Army

Historical Context: The 1794 3 Grossi coin, issued under Franz II for the Austrian Partition of Poland, reflects a critical juncture in European history. Franz II, Holy Roman Emperor, presided over a period of intense geopolitical upheaval, notably the French Revolutionary Wars and the final Partitions of Poland. This specific issue underscores Austria's assertive consolidation of control over territories acquired from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, primarily Galicia. The designation "Coin for the Imperial Austrian Army" emphasizes its probable function in military provisioning or payment for troops stationed in these strategically vital annexed lands, highlighting the ongoing conflicts and the significant logistical demands of supporting a large imperial force.

Artistry: While the specific engraver for this particular issue is not explicitly recorded, the coin's design adheres to the prevailing late Baroque and nascent Neoclassical artistic conventions of Habsburg mints. The obverse typically presents a dignified, laureate bust of Emperor Franz II, executed with the idealized realism characteristic of the era's imperial portraiture. The reverse design would feature the denomination "3 GROSSI" prominently, often accompanied by traditional Austrian imperial iconography, such as the double-headed eagle or a crowned shield, serving as a clear numismatic assertion of Austrian sovereignty over its newly acquired Polish territories.

Technical/Grading: As a copper coin of 11.69 grams and 26 millimeters, this 3 Grossi issue exhibits characteristic wear patterns for its metallic composition and period. Key high-points susceptible to abrasion include the emperor's hair and laurel wreath on the obverse, and elements of the imperial crown or the eagle's head and wing tips on the reverse. Technical strike quality can vary; while central strikes are generally robust, minor planchet flaws, weak peripheral strikes, or occasional die cracks are not uncommon for copper coinage of this era. Collectors should prioritize examples with strong, even strikes and minimal surface corrosion to fully appreciate the design details.