(sold for $8.0)

1557, Paletinate-Simmern, Johann II. Scarce Silver Uniface Pfennig Coin. VF+

Mint Period: 1509-1557 Reference: Memm. 2651, MB#18. Denomination: Pfennig (uniface type)  Condition: Minor deposits, otherwise VF+ Diameter: 14mm Material: Silver Weight: 0.2gm

Obverse: Initial (I) above halved shield with arms of Paletinate/Bavaria. All within cirle of pellets. Legend: FRID´ C´ P´ - DUX BA´    Reverse: Blank (as expected for this uniface type).

Palatinate-Simmern (German: Pfalz-Simmern) was one of the collateral lineages of Palatinate line of the House of Wittelsbach. The Palatinate line of the House of Wittelsbach was divided into four lines after the death of Rupert III in 1410, including the line of Palatinate-Simmern with its capital in Simmern. This line became extinct in 1685 with the death of Charles II. The Palatinate-Neuburg line inherited the estate. The founder of the line Simmern, Stephen, Count Palatine of Simmern-Zweibrücken is also the founder of the cadet branch House of Palatinate-Zweibrücken and its cadet branches. The rights over the County of Veldenz and a share of the County of Sponheim, transmitted by Stephen's wife Anna of Veldenz, were held by these lineages. War (1688–97). Ruled in personal union with the Electorate of Bavaria from 1777, the Electoral Palatinate was finally disestablished with the German mediatization in 1803.

Johann II (21 March 1492 – 18 May 1557) was the Count Palatine of Simmern from 1509 until 1557.

Johann II was born in Simmern in 1492 as the eldest surviving son of Johann I, Count Palatine of Simmern. In 1508 he married Beatrix of Baden, daughter of Margrave Christoph I. He succeeded his father in 1509. Johann II allowed printing to be established in Simmern and was a patron of sculpture. He introduced the Reformation into Simmern which led to increased tensions with his neighbours, the Archbishoprics of Trier and Mainz.