1 Kreuzer - Henri I celery leaves

Emissor Duchy of Neuchâtel
Ano 1591-1595
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor 1 Kreuzer (1⁄84)
Moeda Écu (1587-1707)
Composição Billon
Peso 1.18 g
Diâmetro
Espessura
Formato Round (irregular)
Técnica Hammered
Orientação
Gravador(es)
Em circulação até
Referência(s) HMZ 2#2-680, Froidevaux#T12
Descrição do anverso Quarterly shield of Orléans-Longueville and Neuchâtel surmounted by rounded crown. Celery leaves fleurons.
Escrita do anverso Latin
Legenda do anverso H · D · LONG · C · S · NEOC 9 Z
(Translation: Henri, Duke of Longueville, Sovereign Count of Neuchâtel.)
Descrição do reverso Croix pattée in inner circle.
Escrita do reverso Latin
Legenda do reverso OCVLI · DO · SVP · IVSTOS ⚜
(Translation: The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous.)
Bordo
Casa da moeda
Tiragem 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
Informações adicionais

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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