Catalogue
| Émetteur | Duchy of Neuchâtel |
|---|---|
| Année | 1590 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 1 Kreuzer (1⁄84) |
| Devise | Écu (1587-1707) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Poids | 1.01 g |
| Diamètre | |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | HMZ 2#680d, Froidevaux#T9 |
| Description de l’avers | Quarterly shield of Orléans-Longueville and Neuchâtel surmounted by rounded crown. Vine leaves fleurons. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers |
H · D · LONG · C · S · NEOC 9 0 (Translation: Henri, Duke of Longueville, Sovereign Count of Neuchâtel.) |
| Description du revers | Forked cross cantoned by four `H`, surmounted by crowns seen from below. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers |
OCVLI · DOM · SVPER · IVSTOS ✿ (Translation: The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous.) |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
1590 - - |
| ID Numisquare | 9536371560 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This 1 Kreuzer, issued in 1590, originates from the Duchy of Neuchâtel under Henri I d'Orléans-Longueville. As Prince, Henri I was a prominent French nobleman, Duke of Longueville, whose rule coincided with the tumultuous French Wars of Religion. Neuchâtel, a Protestant principality, maintained relative stability. This coinage asserts ducal authority and met the practical need for local currency amidst shifting European monetary standards.
Artistry: The design of this billon Kreuzer reflects the functional aesthetic typical of smaller late 16th-century denominations. No specific engraver is attributed; the style aligns with regional minting practices, prioritizing legibility over elaborate detail. The obverse likely features Henri I's titulature and a simplified ducal emblem. The reverse displays the denomination and date, distinguished by the characteristic "vine leaves" motif, a decorative element common in regional heraldry, providing a distinct local signature to the coin's utilitarian design.
Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, weighing 1.01 grams, this coin typically exhibits challenges inherent to 16th-century minting. High-points for grading include central lettering, the date, and vine leaf details. Due to material and striking methods, full strikes are uncommon; details are often shallow, especially on outer legends. Planchet quality varies, showing laminations or irregular flans. Collectors should seek examples with clear dates, legible legends, and well-defined central motifs, as these areas frequently suffer from wear or weak striking.