Groschen - Michael

Historical Context: This Groschen was issued in 1552 under Michael (Michel) of Gruyères, the last Count of the County of Gruyères. His reign (1539-1554) was marked by significant financial mismanagement and lavish spending, culminating in the county's bankruptcy and its subsequent division between Fribourg and Bern. This coin therefore represents a poignant numismatic artifact from the twilight years of Gruyères' independence, reflecting a period of profound instability and the impending dissolution of a centuries-old sovereign entity.

Artistry: The design, likely executed by an anonymous local die-cutter, reflects a provincial interpretation of late Renaissance numismatic styles. While lacking the refined elegance of major European mints, the artistry typically features a prominent bust of Count Michael or his armorial bearings—the iconic crane—on the obverse. The reverse commonly displays a cross or another heraldic motif, with legends identifying the ruler and issuing authority. The "Michael" in the coin's name likely refers to the Count himself, emphasizing his personal authority.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, a low-grade silver alloy, this Groschen often exhibits characteristic strike imperfections. Planchets frequently display irregularities, and strikes can be uneven or slightly off-center, leading to weakly defined peripheral legends. High-points for wear typically include the count's facial features or the raised elements of the armorial bearings. Due to the base metal content, these coins are prone to environmental damage, toning, and often show less crisp detail than their higher-purity silver counterparts, even in well-preserved examples.