3 Stüber - Maximilian IV Joseph

Historical Context: The 1806 3 Stüber of Berg under Maximilian IV Joseph marks a critical juncture. This year saw the Holy Roman Empire's dissolution and the Grand Duchy of Berg's formation as a French client state. Maximilian IV Joseph, Elector of Bavaria, briefly held the ducal title before its Napoleonic transfer. This billon issue served as vital transitional currency, bridging traditional Rhenish denominations with a nascent French-aligned administration, crucial for local commerce amidst profound geopolitical upheaval.

Artistry: Specific engraver attribution for this utilitarian 3 Stüber is rare. Its design reflects a functional aesthetic typical of early 19th-century low-denomination billon, blending late-Baroque and emergent Neoclassical clarity. It generally features a crowned Maximilian Joseph monogram or the ducal arms of Berg—a lion rampant—encircled by denomination and date. Execution prioritizes legibility and durability for circulation over intricate artistic detail, characteristic of its everyday currency role.

Technical/Grading: For grading the 1806 Berg 3 Stüber (KM#9), critical points include clarity of high-relief elements: the crown above the central design and fine details of the lion's mane or facial features. As a .220 silver billon coin for heavy circulation, significant wear is prevalent, often obliterating such details. Legibility of legends, especially "3 STÜBER" and the date, is paramount. Weak strikes, common for billon issues, frequently result in flatness. Assess also for corrosion and planchet imperfections.