(sold for $6.0)

1659, Archbishopric of Cologne, Maximilian Heinrich of Bavaria. Silver 8 Heller Coin.

Mint year: 1659 Reference: KM-49. State: Archibishopric of Cologne Denomination: 8 Heller (4 Pfennig) Condition: Enviornmental damage (corrosion), otherwise about VF! Diameter: 16mm Weight: 0.62gm Material: Silver

Obverse: Shield of Cologne within inner cirlce. Legend: * COLON PR . ELECT . B . DVX . 59

Reverse: Shield with arms of the Archbishop within inner circle. Legend: * MAXIM . HENR . D : G ARCH

The Archbishop of Cologne is an archbishop of the Catholic Church in western North Rhine-Westphalia and northern Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany and was a ex officio (one of the electors) of the Holy Roman Empire, the Elector of Cologne, from 1356 to 1801. Since the early days of the Catholic Church, there have been ninety-four bishops and archbishops of Cologne (German Köln). Seven of these ninety-four retired by resignation, including four resignations which were in response to impeachment. Eight of the bishops and archbishops were coadjutor bishops before they took office. Seven individuals were appointed as coadjutors freely by the Pope. One of the ninety-four moved to the Curia, where he became a cardinal. Additionally, six of the archbishops of Cologne were chairmen of the German Bishops' Conference.