Coin 'o the Day 4:1863 Saxe-Meiningen 2 Pfennig

[JamminJ]

Here's another German coin I acquired recently. Somewhat unusal in my collection as it was struck in copper, it's from the duchy of Saxe-Meiningen a 2 pfennig struck in 1863.

 

 

It has the lovely red-brown copper looks that I prefer. Most of the red remains but there's enough brown that a few new carbon spots won't break my heart. Luster is nice and flashy, strike is pretty much perfect (pleasing due to the intricate detail on the crown and coat of arms) and the surfaces are clean with the exception of some carbon spots. All in all a very nice coin bought accurately graded as "stempleglantz". I may send this one off to NGC where my guess it would bring an MS64RB grade - all the copper I really like seems to garner that grade. However, I may wait a while for the recent murderous grading rampage to pass.

 

Saxe-Meiningen was located in the Southern part of Germany and was divided and recombined many times as the ruling clans waxed and waned. When this coin was struck it was ruled by Bernard II. His reign had but three years to run as he was forced to abdicate after choosing the wrong side in the Austria-Prussia war of 1866. In fact, after Austria's initial defeats Bismark wanted to annex all the Saxon territories into Prussia. Austria found this intolerabe and decided she would continue the war in order to prevent the extinguishment of the Saxon states. Bismark was wary of of French interference and decided to satsfy himself with the abdication of the Bernard in favor of his son George.

 

As an aside, George has a really neat beard and an interesting portrait so one of his 2 or 3 marks coins is on my list.

[syracusian]

 

 

As an aside, George has a really neat beard and an interesting portrait so one of his 2 or 3 marks coins is on my list.

 

 

What an original incentive to buy coins! Neat copper coin.

[1jester]

Another stunning beauty, JJ!