| Obverse description | Crowned shield of imperial eagle arms, 3 small shields around, cross of Cologne upper left and below, Neuss upper right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin (uncial) |
| Obverse lettering | M - O` - NOVA NVSSIENS`. |
| Reverse description | St. Quirin standing behind Neuss arms, holding sword and standard. |
| Reverse script | Latin (uncial) |
| Reverse lettering | S9VIRIN - PTECT`N`. |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1504) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1029872950 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1 Albus coin, struck by the Imperial Free City of Neuss in 1504, emerges from a pivotal era in the Holy Roman Empire. Neuss, strategically positioned on the Rhine, held significant economic and political autonomy, including minting privileges. The early 16th century saw the Empire grappling with internal reforms and external pressures, yet cities like Neuss maintained their sovereign rights, issuing coinage vital for regional commerce. The Albus (Weißpfennig) was a standard silver denomination in the Rhineland, facilitating daily transactions and reflecting the city's economic self-reliance rather than the authority of a singular monarch. Its issuance underscored Neuss's status as a powerful, independent urban entity.
Artistry: The numismatic artistry of the Neuss 1 Albus from 1504 adheres to the late Gothic/early Renaissance stylistic traditions prevalent in the Lower Rhenish region. While specific engraver names for such municipal issues are exceedingly rare and generally unrecorded for Neuss, the dies were likely cut by local artisans. The style is characterized by robust, often somewhat stylized heraldic devices, typically featuring the city's arms (a cross) and patron saint (St. Quirinus, though not always on the Albus), encircled by a clear, unadorned legend. The execution prioritizes legibility and symbolic representation over intricate detail, reflecting the functional nature of fractional coinage. Signatures are uniformly absent from these issues.
Technical/Grading: For grading this 1504 Neuss 1 Albus, critical high-points include the central elements on both obverse and reverse, typically the city's heraldry and any accompanying figures. Examine the clarity of the cross or shield design, ensuring definition in its lines and contours. The surrounding legends, particularly the city name and the crucial date, must be sharp and complete, as these often suffer from weak strikes or planchet irregularities common to hammered coinage. Assess the overall planchet shape and thickness for consistency. Wear is most evident on the highest points of the central device and the outer edges of the legend. A full, centered strike and clear date are paramount for higher grades.