Austrian Empire - Albrecht I (Albert I) Pfennig

November 2024

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I haven't nailed this down exactly, but between Albrecht and his father the Hapsburg Empire was established, which lasted over 600 years. Vast areas of Germany were incorporated as well, later, at it's greatest extent, the Habsburg Empire extended far down the peninsula of Italy and the Balkan states. It was a major player in European history. The Empire is also spelled as Hapsburg, or known as the Austrian Empire was part of the Holy Roman Empire. This silver pfennig features the original 'smiley face' and appears to be uniface. I do not have any references of Medieval coinage, so I welcome any input you may have that I can incorporate here to complete the record. I have seen a similar type with significant differences that was attributing to Albert I and struck in Neustadt / Vienna for the years 1281 - 1298. Purchased from Bob Reis, he had it listed for 1287 - 1308, the end of Albrecht's reign.
King Albert I was the eldest son of Rudolf I of Germany. Rudolf had been the first German monarch to be from the House of Hapsburg. Rudolf entrusted his son as ruler of the duchies of Austria and Styria, which he had seized from late King Ottokar II of Bohemia and defended in the 1278 Battle on the Marchfeld. Rudolf had a problem however securing the German throne for his son, Albert I.
At Battle of Göllheim, Albert I was victorious and was chosen as King. He was a cunning and masterful diplomat and made alliances with his rivals to increase his own influence. He even made a keen alliance with Pope Boniface VIII. Interestingly, though he was seen as a harsh ruler, he protected the rights of both the serfs, who have previously had no rights and those of the often persecuted Jews. Albert I would eventually be murdered by his nephew, Duke John.
Albrect I coins are extremely sought after by both collectors and buffs. One great coin would be the Pfennig circa 1282-1308 of the Harpy monster which has a woman’s body and bird’s wings.