5 Pfennig

Historical Context: This 5 Pfennig coin was issued by the City of Osnabrück between 1704 and 1728, a period within the Holy Roman Empire. As a Free Imperial City, Osnabrück exercised its sovereign right to mint coinage, a vital expression of its autonomy. This low-denomination copper issue was crucial for facilitating local commerce and daily transactions, underscoring the city's economic self-sufficiency and regional trade role during the late Baroque era.

Artistry: The engraver for this utilitarian copper issue remains unrecorded, typical for regional city mints of this era. Stylistically, the coin reflects the practical late Baroque aesthetic common in German regional coinage. The design likely features the iconic Osnabrück wheel, the city's prominent heraldic device, on the obverse. The reverse would typically display the denomination and date. Artistry prioritizes legibility and symbolic representation over intricate detail, characteristic of small-denomination issues for widespread circulation.

Technical/Grading: Due to its copper composition and utilitarian function, strikes on this 5 Pfennig often exhibit less precision than contemporary silver coinage. High-points for wear typically include the outer rim and spokes of the Osnabrück wheel on the obverse, and the raised numerals and lettering of the denomination and date on the reverse. Technical strike qualities frequently include variable planchet quality, occasional central weakness, and unevenness in legends. Well-struck examples will show sharp heraldic detail and clear, full legends.