5 Stüber - Adolphus

Historical Context: Issued between 1619 and 1622, this 5 Stüber belongs to Count Adolphus of Bentheim-Tecklenburg-Rheda, a period coinciding with the volatile onset of the Thirty Years' War. As a minor sovereign within the fragmented Holy Roman Empire, Adolphus asserted his authority through coinage, a crucial symbol of statehood. These Stüber served as essential local currency, reflecting the economic realities and pressing need for transactional specie in a region impacted by conflict.

Artistry: The design of this 5 Stüber reflects prevalent German Renaissance and early Baroque styles, characteristic of regional mints. While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for this denomination, the dies would have been cut by a local master. The obverse likely features the complex armorial shield of the Bentheim-Tecklenburg-Rheda family, emphasizing dynastic claims, often surmounted by a crown. The reverse typically displays the denomination and date, surrounded by the ruler's titles, executed with a robust, functional aesthetic.

Technical/Grading: Critical high-points for wear on this 5 Stüber include intricate details of the armorial bearings, particularly crowns, lion heads, or eagle wings within the shields. Lettering of legends and date are also prone to flattening. Technically, coins from this period and mint often display variable strike quality. Expect potential for irregular flans, slight off-centering, and areas of weak strike due to uneven die pressure. Surface quality may show evidence of crude planchet preparation.