⅔ Thaler - Charles Louis and Henry Christian Frederick

Historical Context: Issued in 1796 by the County of Stolberg-Stolberg, this ⅔ Thaler features co-rulers Charles Louis and Henry Christian Frederick. This coin reflects a period of shared governance within this small principality of the Holy Roman Empire. Struck amidst the French Revolutionary Wars, it underscores the continued assertion of sovereignty by minor German states. The ⅔ Thaler, equivalent to a Gulden, was a common circulating medium, facilitating local commerce and regional trade.

Artistry: While the specific engraver is unrecorded, the coin’s design adheres to the late Baroque and early Neoclassical aesthetic common in German states, with a provincial execution. The obverse typically presents the conjoined or separate busts of the co-rulers, rendered with idealized realism and their titles. The reverse invariably displays the intricate Stolberg-Stolberg armorial bearings, usually crowned, alongside the denomination and date. Heraldic elements are meticulously detailed, showcasing the ruling house's authority.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver (13 grams, 31 millimeters), this ⅔ Thaler exhibits typical manufacturing qualities. Key high-points for wear assessment on the obverse include hair, brow, and drapery folds on the rulers' busts. On the reverse, the crown details, intricate lines within the armorial shield, and the lion’s fur are critical areas. While generally well-struck, minor planchet imperfections or slight weakness in high relief areas due to die wear are common, influencing the overall grade.