60 Kreuzers - Egenolphe III

Historical Context: Issued in 1564, this 60 Kreuzers coin represents a significant monetary emission by Egenolphe III, Lord of Ribeaupierre (Rappoltstein), an Imperial lordship within Alsace. This period saw numerous minor principalities asserting their sovereign rights, including coinage, amidst the fragmented political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire and the religious tensions of the Reformation. The denomination itself, 60 Kreuzers, aligns with the Imperial monetary system, signifying a substantial silver piece, often equated to a Thaler, and underscores the lord's economic and political autonomy in a region increasingly caught between Imperial and nascent French influences.

Artistry: The specific engraver for Egenolphe III's Ribeaupierre coinage is not documented. Stylistically, this piece aligns with the prevalent Late Renaissance German-Alsatian tradition. Designs typically emphasize elaborate heraldry, featuring the three eagles of Ribeaupierre, often within an ornate shield or cartouche, surmounted by a coronet or helmet. The execution would prioritize clear, if somewhat stiff, heraldic representation, with attention to the details of the eagles' plumage and the surrounding mantling. Legends are typically rendered in clear Gothic or early Roman majuscule script, without engraver signatures.

Technical/Grading: For this substantial silver 60 Kreuzers (24.445 g, 35 mm), key grading high-points focus on the intricate heraldic devices. Particular attention should be paid to the highest relief points of the eagles' wings and heads, as well as the details of the coronet or helmet and any surrounding mantling. The clarity and completeness of the outer legend, which frequently suffers from weak strikes or planchet irregularities, are crucial. Wear on the field, particularly any signs of adjustment marks or planchet imperfections, also significantly impacts the overall grade.