4 Mariengroschen

Historical Context: This 4 Mariengroschen was issued by the City of Hannover between 1666 and 1674. This period falls under the rule of Duke Johann Friedrich of Brunswick-Lüneburg, though the city maintained significant autonomy and minting rights. The era was marked by the gradual recovery from the Thirty Years' War, with Hannover emerging as a vital economic and administrative center in North Germany. The Mariengroschen, a widely accepted fractional silver denomination, played a crucial role in regional commerce, facilitating daily transactions during a time of rebuilding and economic stabilization.

Artistry: The design of this 4 Mariengroschen exemplifies the functional aesthetic typical of late 17th-century German civic coinage. While specific engravers are rarely documented for such fractional issues, the stylistic school prioritizes clear heraldry and legible legends over elaborate artistic flourishes. The obverse typically features the City of Hannover's arms, often a trefoil or clover leaf, symbolizing civic identity. The reverse displays the denomination, "4 MARIEN GROSCHEN," and the date, all rendered with practical clarity suitable for widespread circulation.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 2.4 grams and measuring 22 millimeters, this coin is characteristic of fractional issues of its era. High-points for wear or strike weakness typically include the uppermost elements of the city arms and the finer details within the legends. Given the manufacturing techniques of the time, examples often exhibit planchet irregularities, off-center strikes, and variable pressure, leading to areas of weakness, particularly at the rims. The thin flan is also susceptible to minor flan cracks or slight cupping.