Styrian Pfennig

The Styrian Pfennig was minted using copper from the Eastern Alps, directly linking its production to the region's booming mining industry in the 13th century.

That made these coins not just currency, but a practical extension of Styria's economy, circulating among miners and merchants without the need for imported metals. Designs were simple—often a cross or crude lettering on one side—with weights varying wildly due to inconsistent planchets. No two seem exactly alike, which kept things interesting for someone who's examined hundreds.

We don't know the exact mintage figures; records from that era are scarce, likely destroyed in later conflicts. What we do have suggests they were produced in Graz and other local sites, serving as a regional standard before broader imperial coins took over. I've heard tales of hidden treasures featuring these, but most are just romantic nonsense.

Some collectors swear by their rarity, but I've pulled more from old hoards than I'd like to admit.