Kreuzer

Historical Context: This 1761 copper Kreuzer was issued by the City of Kosel (modern Koźle, Poland), a strategically important Prussian fortress town in Silesia. Its mintage occurred during the height of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), a period of intense conflict between Prussia under Frederick the Great and the Habsburg Monarchy. The issuance of local coinage like this Kreuzer was often a necessity for wartime economies, facilitating local commerce when central mints were disrupted or distant, and demonstrating a city's administrative autonomy amidst geopolitical turmoil.

Artistry: For a small municipal copper issue of this era, specific engraver details are typically unrecorded. The coin's artistry adheres to a functional, utilitarian style, characteristic of wartime emergency coinage rather than high Baroque numismatic art. The obverse likely features the simplified coat of arms of the City of Kosel, while the reverse would display the denomination "1 KREUZER" and the date, rendered with practical clarity. The overall design emphasizes legibility and local identity over elaborate ornamentation.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a diminutive 0.39 gram, 20 mm copper planchet, this Kreuzer is notably thin, which often results in a weak or uneven strike. High-points susceptible to wear include the raised elements of the city's arms (e.g., details on shields or figures) and the outer edges of the lettering. Technical strike quality can vary considerably, with examples frequently exhibiting planchet imperfections, off-center strikes, or areas of flatness, reflecting the production challenges inherent in small-denomination coinage from local wartime mints.