Double Kreuzer - Leopold I

Historical Context: The Hagenau Double Kreuzer (1664-1668) dates to Leopold I's reign (1658-1705) within the post-Westphalian Holy Roman Empire. Hagenau, a Free Imperial City in Alsace, utilized its minting rights, asserting autonomy in a fragmented realm. This small silver denomination facilitated local commerce, blending imperial authority with the municipal economy of a strategically vital border city amidst French territorial ambitions.

Artistry: The obverse typically features a laureate bust of Emperor Leopold I, usually facing right, rendered in a simplified regional German Baroque style. The engraver was likely an anonymous local die-cutter, typical for small municipal issues of the period. The reverse commonly displays the city's arms or a stylized imperial eagle, often accompanied by the denomination or date. The design is functional, conveying official iconography within the constraints of the small flan.

Technical/Grading: At 0.99 grams and 19.8 millimeters, this silver Double Kreuzer often exhibits traits of small regional issues. High points prone to wear include Leopold's hair, laurel wreath, and nose on the obverse, and central details of the city arms or eagle on the reverse. Strikes are frequently weak, causing flatness in central designs and incomplete legends. Planchet quality varies, and original luster is rarely preserved, reflecting its role as everyday currency.