3 Kreuzers - Joachim Ernest

Emittente Brandenburg-Ansbach, Margraviate of
Anno 1622-1625
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore 3 Kreuzer (1⁄24)
Valuta Thaler
Composizione Silver
Peso 1.34 g
Diametro 22 mm
Spessore
Forma Round
Tecnica
Orientamento Medal alignment ↑↑
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i KM#27
Descrizione del dritto Eagle facing left with arms of the House Hohenzollern in a beaded circle. Legend around (starts 1h) for `Ioachim Ernestus Dei Gratia Margravius Brandeburgii Dux Prussiae Burgravius Nurmbergii`
Scrittura del dritto Latin
Legenda del dritto * IO·ER·D·G·MAR·BR·D·PRVS·B·N·1624
Descrizione del rovescio Imperial orb with value, legend around (starts 1h) for `Moneta Nova Argentea Ad Imperii Legem Cusa`
Scrittura del rovescio Latin
Legenda del rovescio MON·NO·ARG·AD·IMP·LEGE·CVSA· I R 3
(Translation: probably something like `New silver coin struck according to the law of the Empire`)
Bordo
Zecca
Tiratura 1622 IR - -
1623 - -
1623 IR - -
1624 IR - -
1625 IR - -
ID Numisquare 1021231470
Informazioni aggiuntive

Historical Context: The 3 Kreuzers of Joachim Ernest (1622-1625) from Brandenburg-Ansbach is an artifact of the Thirty Years' War and the devastating "Kipper- und Wipperzeit" (1621-1623). As a Protestant Margrave, Joachim Ernest navigated extreme economic disruption. The urgent demand for currency to fund military efforts led to widespread debasement across the Holy Roman Empire. Struck at the crisis's peak, this coin exemplifies regional rulers' desperate attempts to provide circulating medium, sacrificing metallic purity for a war-torn economy.

Artistry: No specific engraver is identified for this utilitarian issue, reflecting period demands over artistic ambition. The style aligns with early 17th-century provincial German coinage: functional yet often crude. Obverses typically feature a simplified Margrave bust or monogram with titulature. Reverses display the Brandenburg-Ansbach arms—the Hohenzollern eagle quartered with dynastic shields—alongside denomination and date. Artistic refinement was sacrificed for rapid production, prioritizing essential information's legibility amidst wartime exigencies.

Technical/Grading: Due to modest silver (1.34 gg) and thin planchet (22 mm), this 3 Kreuzers frequently shows weak strikes, particularly on legends and fine heraldic elements. Key high points for grading include the definition of Joachim Ernest's bust (armored shoulders, facial features) and the clarity of the Hohenzollern eagle's feathers and shield lines on the reverse. Legibility of the date and denomination (3) is crucial. Planchet quality varies, with common flaws like minor cracks or irregular flan shapes, indicative of hurried wartime minting.

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