Plappart Small eagle, pellets inside cross

Historical Context: This Plappart, issued by the City of Bern between 1410 and 1492, represents a pivotal era for the burgeoning Swiss Confederacy. During the 15th century, Bern solidified its position as a dominant urban canton, expanding its territory and influence. The minting of its own silver coinage, like this Plappart, underscored Bern's growing economic prosperity and its assertion of sovereignty within the Holy Roman Empire, a hallmark of its status as a free imperial city. This denomination served vital regional trade, reflecting broader monetary standards of the period.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for municipal issues of this period, the coin's design reflects late Gothic aesthetics, prioritizing legibility and symbolic clarity. The obverse features a small eagle, likely the Reichsadler, a potent emblem of direct imperial allegiance and Bern's autonomous status. The reverse displays a cross, a ubiquitous Christian motif, with distinctive pellets filling its quadrants. This design element served both decorative and anti-clipping purposes, characteristic of practical medieval minting.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver with a weight of 2.20 grams, this Plappart typically exhibits characteristics of hand-hammered coinage. High-points prone to wear include the eagle's head and wingtips, the central intersection of the cross, and the definition of the pellets. Expect variations in strike quality, such as minor off-centering, weak areas, or planchet irregularities. A well-struck example would show a full, clear eagle and distinct pellets, with legible legends, although complete legends are often challenging on these smaller flans.