1 Kreuzer - Henri I celery leaves

Emittente Duchy of Neuchâtel
Anno 1591-1595
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore 1 Kreuzer (1⁄84)
Valuta Écu (1587-1707)
Composizione Billon
Peso 1.18 g
Diametro
Spessore
Forma Round (irregular)
Tecnica Hammered
Orientamento
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i HMZ 2#2-680, Froidevaux#T12
Descrizione del dritto Quarterly shield of Orléans-Longueville and Neuchâtel surmounted by rounded crown. Celery leaves fleurons.
Scrittura del dritto Latin
Legenda del dritto H · D · LONG · C · S · NEOC 9 Z
(Translation: Henri, Duke of Longueville, Sovereign Count of Neuchâtel.)
Descrizione del rovescio Croix pattée in inner circle.
Scrittura del rovescio Latin
Legenda del rovescio OCVLI · DO · SVP · IVSTOS ⚜
(Translation: The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous.)
Bordo
Zecca
Tiratura 1591 - Froidevaux #V23; LONG · -
1592 - Froidevaux #V24; LONG · -
1593 - Froidevaux #V25; LONG · -
1593 - Froidevaux #V26; LONG : -
1593 - Froidevaux #V27; LONG ·; SVP : -
1594 - Froidevaux #V28; LONG · -
1594 - Froidevaux #V29; LONG : -
1595 - Froidevaux #V30; LONG : -
1595 - Froidevaux #V31; on square silver blank -
ID Numisquare 8876563590
Informazioni aggiuntive

Historical Context: Henri I d'Orléans-Longueville, Duke of Longueville and Sovereign Prince of Neuchâtel (1573-1595), issued this 1 Kreuzer between 1591 and 1595, marking the end of his reign. Neuchâtel, a strategically vital principality, maintained its autonomy amidst late 16th-century European political complexities. The minting of local coinage under Henri I affirmed his sovereign authority, facilitating regional commerce and asserting the principality's distinct identity during a period of dynastic and religious flux.

Artistry: The artistry of this billon 1 Kreuzer reflects the functional late Renaissance aesthetic typical of smaller denominations. The engraver, likely anonymous, was a local die-sinker. The distinctive "celery leaves" (feuilles de céleri) are a stylized vegetal motif, possibly acanthus leaves, adorning the reverse. This element likely served as a decorative flourish around the ducal arms or denomination, potentially functioning as a subtle mint mark or personal emblem of a mint official.

Technical/Grading: Technically, this billon coin often presents challenges inherent in lower-value coinage production. High-points for wear assessment typically include crown details, the central ducal shield, and lettering. Due to the billon composition and rapid production, strikes vary significantly, often showing unevenness, minor planchet flaws, or off-center strikes. The specified weight of 1.18 grams is vital for verifying authenticity and assessing post-mint damage or clipping, common for these circulating issues.

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