Catalogo
| Emittente | Duchy of Neuchâtel |
|---|---|
| Anno | 1590 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1 Kreuzer (1⁄84) |
| Valuta | Écu (1587-1707) |
| Composizione | Billon |
| Peso | 1.16 g |
| Diametro | |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | HMZ 2#680d, Froidevaux#T7 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Quarterly shield of Orléans-Longueville and Neuchâtel surmonted by flat crown. Celery leaves fleurons. Cross between two points above. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Latin |
| Legenda del dritto |
H · D · LONG · C · S · NEOC · ✠ · 9 0 (Translation: Henri, Duke of Longueville, Sovereign Count of Neuchâtel.) |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Forked cross with four `H`, surmounted by antique crowns. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Latin |
| Legenda del rovescio |
OCVLI · DOM · SVPER · IVSTOS ✠ (Translation: The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous.) |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
1590 - Froidevaux #V14; IVSTOS · ✠ - 1590 - Froidevaux #V15; IVSTOS ✠ - |
| ID Numisquare | 6417395030 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This 1 Kreuzer coin, dated 1590, originates from the Duchy of Neuchâtel during the reign of Henri I d'Orléans-Longueville (1573-1595). A prominent Huguenot leader, Henri I maintained ducal authority over this strategically important, largely independent principality. This billon issue served as a crucial fractional denomination, facilitating local commerce and affirming the duke's sovereign right to issue currency in a period of significant political and religious flux across Europe.
Artistry: The design, specifically noting the 'cross above the crown,' reflects a provincial late-Renaissance aesthetic, characteristic of smaller mints. While the engraver remains anonymous, typical for billon issues, the style prioritizes functional clarity. The obverse likely displays a simplified ducal crown surmounted by a Latin cross, symbolizing Henri I's Christian authority and sovereignty. The reverse would typically present the denomination and date, often within a linear border, executed with pragmatic skill.
Technical/Grading: Struck in billon with a modest weight of 1.16 grams, this 1590 Kreuzer often exhibits characteristics common to late 16th-century fractional coinage. High-points susceptible to wear include the apex of the cross, the prominent features of the crown, and finer legend details. Technical strike quality varies considerably; examples frequently show minor off-centering, weakness in the strike, particularly on the periphery, and occasional planchet imperfections. The presence of a mintmark (mm) further aids in provenance identification.