Catalog
| Issuer | Holland, County of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1411 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1/2 Groat (Groot) |
| Currency | Groot (-1506) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | vdCh 6#8.6 |
| Obverse description | Rampant lion left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
✠ GVIM ⋮ DX ⋮ DE ⋮ GR ⋮ CO ⋮ HOL ⋮ 3EN` (Translation: Duke William, by God`s Grace Count of Holland and Zeeland) |
| Reverse description | Long cross pattée dividing legend. Bavarian arms lions alternate in the angles. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
✠ MON` ⋮ NOVA ⋮ HOLD` ⋮ 3ELA` (Translation: New coinage of Holland and Zeeland) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1411) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 2341570270 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued in 1411 by William VI, Count of Holland, Zeeland, and Hainaut, this 1/2 Groat 1/2 Lion reflects a turbulent era. William’s reign (1404-1417) was dominated by the Hook and Cod Wars, a fierce dynastic struggle within Holland where he sided with the Cod faction. The production of fractional denominations like this silver 1/2 Groat underscores the expanding mercantile economy's need for smaller units of currency to facilitate daily transactions alongside larger coinage.
Artistry: This coin’s design exemplifies late Gothic numismatic art from the Low Countries. While individual engravers remain anonymous, the die cutter adhered to established heraldic traditions. The "Lion" type prominently features the rampant lion, the iconic heraldic device of Holland, typically rendered in a stylized, vigorous form. Legends identify William VI and his titles in Gothic script, often surrounding a central cross or shield on the obverse, with the lion dominating the reverse field.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver on a 25mm flan, this hammer-struck coin displays typical early 15th-century characteristics. These include irregular flan shapes, potential off-center strikes, and uneven striking pressure. For the rampant lion motif, high points vulnerable to wear or weakness are the head, raised foreleg, and tail. On the legends, the upper serifs and crossbars of the Gothic lettering are most susceptible. Planchet quality often varies, sometimes exhibiting laminations or minor surface flaws.