3 Kreuzers Centenary - Peace of Westphalia

Historical Context: Issued by the Free Imperial City of Schwäbisch Hall in 1748, this 3 Kreuzers coin commemorates the centenary of the Peace of Westphalia, signed in 1648. As an autonomous entity within the Holy Roman Empire, Schwäbisch Hall, like many German territories, had endured the Thirty Years' War. The 1748 issue reflects the city’s continued recognition of the treaty's profound significance in establishing a new European order of state sovereignty and fostering a century of relative stability, crucial for its economic and political well-being.

Artistry: The engraver for this modest denomination is typically undocumented, common for smaller issues of the period. Stylistically, the coin likely embodies late Baroque or early Rococo influences prevalent in mid-18th century German coinage, balancing detailed heraldry with functional design. The obverse would feature the city's distinctive coat of arms, such as an eagle or hand holding a salt hook. The reverse typically bears the denomination and commemorative dates (1648-1748) or a legend alluding to the enduring peace.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver at 1.83 grams, this 3 Kreuzers often presents grading challenges due to its small size and variable strike quality. High-points prone to wear include the central devices of the city's arms, like the eagle's head or salt hook details, and any high-relief elements of the legend. Early German silver issues frequently exhibit planchet irregularities, minor flan cracks, and often a somewhat weak strike, particularly on peripheral legends, making examples with full, sharp details highly prized.