48 Klippe Kreuzer Siege coinage

Historical Context: This 48 Klippe Kreuzer was issued by the besieged city of Breisach in 1633, amidst the brutal Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). Breisach, a vital Habsburg stronghold on the Rhine, faced intense pressure. Siege coinage, like this piece, represents a desperate emergency measure, often struck from melted church silver to pay defenders and maintain morale. Its very existence testifies to the city's strategic importance and the era's profound geopolitical turmoil.

Artistry: The distinctive square or klippe format reflects its hasty production from cut silver sheets. While no specific engraver is recorded, the design adheres to a utilitarian aesthetic common for siege issues. The obverse typically features the large denomination '48' and the date '1633', often flanked by a