1 Kreuzer - Henri I cross above the crown

Đơn vị phát hành Duchy of Neuchâtel
Năm 1590
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá 1 Kreuzer (1⁄84)
Tiền tệ Écu (1587-1707)
Chất liệu Billon
Trọng lượng 1.16 g
Đường kính
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo HMZ 2#680d, Froidevaux#T7
Mô tả mặt trước Quarterly shield of Orléans-Longueville and Neuchâtel surmonted by flat crown. Celery leaves fleurons. Cross between two points above.
Chữ viết mặt trước Latin
Chữ khắc mặt trước H · D · LONG · C · S · NEOC · ✠ · 9 0
(Translation: Henri, Duke of Longueville, Sovereign Count of Neuchâtel.)
Mô tả mặt sau Forked cross with four `H`, surmounted by antique crowns.
Chữ viết mặt sau Latin
Chữ khắc mặt sau OCVLI · DOM · SVPER · IVSTOS ✠
(Translation: The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous.)
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc 1590 - Froidevaux #V14; IVSTOS · ✠ -
1590 - Froidevaux #V15; IVSTOS ✠ -
ID Numisquare 6417395030
Thông tin bổ sung

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.

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