3 Pfennig - Fredrik I

Historical Context: This 3 Pfennig coin from Wismar was issued while the city remained a Swedish dominion, a status since 1648. Bearing Fredrik I's name, King of Sweden (1720-1751), its production continued until 1761, suggesting posthumous design use for local currency. These copper denominations were crucial for daily commerce in Wismar, highlighting its role as a key Baltic port under Swedish administration and ensuring economic stability during shifting regional power.

Artistry: The design of this copper 3 Pfennig reflects the practical aesthetic of 18th-century low-denomination coinage. While engravers are undocumented for such issues, the style exhibits a simplified late Baroque influence, characteristic of German regional mints. The obverse features Fredrik I's crowned royal monogram (FR), symbolizing Swedish sovereignty. The reverse displays the "3 PFENNING" denomination alongside Wismar's traditional coat of arms, a bull's head, signifying local minting authority.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper (2 gg, 22.5 mmmm), this coin presents preservation and grading challenges. High-points susceptible to wear include the royal crown's details, the monogram's intricacies, and the raised features of Wismar's city arms. Due to material and period production, strikes are often weak or uneven, especially on legends. Planchet quality varies, and environmental exposure frequently causes surface corrosion or pitting, impacting overall grade and aesthetic appeal.