3 Pfennig

Historical Context: The City of Hamm, a Free Imperial City within the Holy Roman Empire, issued this 3 Pfennig copper coin between 1687 and 1746. This extensive period saw Hamm navigating the complex political landscape of Westphalia, transitioning from relative autonomy to increasing Prussian influence. Such fractional coinage was crucial for local commerce, reflecting the city's economic needs and its privilege to strike money, even as larger powers dominated regional politics. The longevity of the type underscores its utility and design stability within the local economy.

Artistry: The artistry of this 3 Pfennig coin, typical for a small, base-metal denomination of the era, likely did not feature a named engraver. Stylistically, it aligns with a utilitarian German Baroque aesthetic, emphasizing legibility over elaborate detail. The obverse commonly depicted the city's arms—often a checkered fess beneath an eagle—while the reverse bore the denomination "3 PFENNIG" and possibly the date or an abbreviated city name. The design prioritized clear communication of value and issuer for daily transactions rather than grand artistic statement.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper, weighing 1.65 grams and measuring 19 millimeters, this coin is susceptible to significant wear and environmental damage. Key high-points, such as the central elements of the city arms or the raised numerals of the denomination, are often the first to show wear. Technical strike quality varies; planchet preparation could be inconsistent, leading to irregular flans or weak strikes, especially on peripheral legends. Corrosion and surface pitting are common issues, impacting overall preservation and making high-grade examples relatively scarce for this widely circulated type.