60 Kreuzers - Egenolphe III

Historical Context: This 1564 60 Kreuzers coin was issued under Egenolphe III (1527-1585), Lord of Ribeaupierre (Rappoltstein), a significant Alsatian lordship within the Holy Roman Empire, though culturally and politically tied to the French sphere. The mid-16th century was a period of complex feudal allegiances and burgeoning regional minting. This large silver denomination reflects Ribeaupierre's economic standing and its participation in the broader Rhenish monetary system, where the Kreuzer was a common unit. Egenolphe III's reign saw the consolidation of his family's influence.

Artistry: The coin’s design is characteristic of German Renaissance numismatic art of the period, though the engraver remains anonymous. The obverse typically features a finely rendered bust of Egenolphe III, often facing right, adorned with a ruff and armor, conveying a sense of authority. The reverse prominently displays the elaborate Ribeaupierre coat of arms, frequently quartered with other family arms, beneath a helmet and crest. Legends, usually in Latin, encircle both sides, detailing the ruler's titles and the date, executed in a clear, legible script.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a broadflan, typical of the era's hammer-striking methods, this large silver piece often exhibits variable strike quality. High-points susceptible to wear or weak strike include the highest curls of the ruler's hair, the raised elements of his armor, and the intricate details of the helmet and crest on the reverse shield. Well-struck examples will show sharp definition in the legends and the finer heraldic elements. Flan irregularities and minor planchet flaws are common, reflecting contemporary minting limitations.