Katalog
| Emittent | Grand Duchy of Lithuania |
|---|---|
| Jahr | 1495-1506 |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Nennwert | 1/2 Groat |
| Währung | Lithuanian Groat (1495-1580) |
| Material | Billon (.375 silver) |
| Gewicht | 1.24 g |
| Durchmesser | 21 mm |
| Dicke | |
| Form | Round (irregular) |
| Prägetechnik | Hammered |
| Ausrichtung | |
| Stempelschneider | |
| Im Umlauf bis | |
| Referenz(en) | Gum#472, Iva#2AJ1-1 |
| Aversbeschreibung | Knight on horseback left, brandishing sword. |
|---|---|
| Aversschrift | Latin |
| Averslegende |
MON ALEXANDRI (Translation: Coinage of Alexander.) |
| Reversbeschreibung | Eagle with wings spread, head turned left. |
| Reversschrift | Latin |
| Reverslegende |
MAGNI DVC LITVANIE (Translation: Grand Duchy of Lithuania) |
| Rand | Smooth |
| Prägestätte | |
| Auflage |
ND (1495-1506) - (fr) MON ALEXAND (r)//MAGNI DVC LITVANI (r) - ND (1495-1506) - (fr) MON ALEXAND (r)//MAGNI DVC LITVANIE (r) - ND (1495-1506) - (fr) MON ALEXANDR (g)//MAGNI DVC LITVANIE (g) : RARE - ND (1495-1506) - (fr) MON ALEXANDR (r)//MAGNI DVC LITVANIE (r) - ND (1495-1506) - (fr) MON ALEXANDRI (g)//MAGNI DVC LITVANIE (g) - ND (1495-1506) - (fr) MON ALEXANDRI (g)//MAGNI DVC LITVANIE (r) - ND (1495-1506) - (fr) MON ALEXANDRI (r)//MAGN DVC LITVANIE (r) - ND (1495-1506) - (fr) MON ALEXANDRI (r)//MAGNI DVC LITVANIE (g) - ND (1495-1506) - (fr) MON ALEXANDRI (r)//MAGNI DVC LITVANIE (r) - ND (1495-1506) - (fr) MON ALEXANDRI (r)//MAGNI DVCI LITVANIE (r) - ND (1495-1506) - (fr) MON ALEXNDRI (r)//MAGNI DVC LITVANIE (r) : RARE - |
| Numisquare-ID | 3971395830 |
| Zusätzliche Informationen |
Historical Context: The 1/2 Groat półgrosz of Alexander Jagiellon represents a significant monetary issue from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania during a pivotal period between 1495 and 1506. Alexander, Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1492 and later King of Poland from 1501, faced considerable external pressures from Muscovy and the Crimean Tatars. His reign saw efforts to stabilize the Lithuanian economy and administration. This billon denomination, with its practical .375 silver content, was crucial for everyday transactions, reflecting the economic realities and the need for circulating currency in a vast, developing state. It underscores Alexander's role in maintaining a functional monetary system amidst political and military challenges.
Artistry: The design of Alexander's półgrosz adheres to the prevailing late Gothic numismatic traditions of Central and Eastern Europe, with nascent Renaissance influences beginning to appear in some details. While specific engravers remain anonymous for this period, the mint at Vilnius would have employed skilled artisans. The obverse typically features the iconic Lithuanian Vytis (mounted knight), a powerful heraldic symbol of the Grand Duchy, depicted in a somewhat stylized yet dynamic form. The reverse commonly displays a double cross or other armorial device, often surrounded by Latin legends identifying the ruler and issuing authority, such as "MONETA ALEXANDRI" or "DUCIS LITHVANIAE."
Technical/Grading: Given its billon composition and age, the 1/2 Groat often presents strike inconsistencies. Key high-points for grading include the knight's helmet, horse's head, and the details of the sword and shield on the obverse Vytis. On the reverse, the central cross and the legibility of the surrounding legends are critical. Technical strike quality is frequently uneven; dies were hand-cut, and the striking process often resulted in off-center strikes, weak areas, or planchet irregularities. The relatively thin 21mm flan for its weight can contribute to softness of strike, particularly at the peripheries. Surface corrosion, common with billon, can also impact overall preservation and detail.