1 Kreuzer - Leonard V Lienz

Historical Context: This 1 Kreuzer coin represents the final independent coinage of the County of Görz under Leonard V Lienz, the last male heir of the Meinhardiner dynasty (1454-1500). His reign was a tumultuous period marked by strategic alliances and conflicts with powerful neighbors like Venice and the Habsburgs, as Görz navigated its position as a crucial border territory. The issuance of this denomination underscores the region's economic integration and the Count's assertion of sovereign rights amidst increasing external pressures, ultimately preceding the county's absorption into Habsburg domains upon his death in 1500.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for provincial mints of this era, the coin's design likely reflects a blend of late Gothic and nascent Renaissance stylistic elements. The obverse would feature Leonard's titulature, possibly surrounding a simplified bust or the Meinhardiner heraldry, often a lion rampant. The reverse almost certainly displayed a prominent cross, a ubiquitous motif for the Kreuzer denomination, sometimes accompanied by mint marks or additional heraldic shields. The execution would be characteristic of regional mints, prioritizing legibility and symbolic representation over intricate detail.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a small, thin silver flan weighing 0.95 grams, these coins frequently exhibit strike irregularities. Common high-points susceptible to wear include the center of the cross, the highest relief elements of any bust or heraldic device, and the lettering. Collectors should anticipate off-center strikes, weak areas, and planchet imperfections such as minor cracks or laminations, typical of medieval minting technology. Sharpness in the legends and central motifs, alongside minimal flan damage, would signify a premium example, despite the inherent variability of production.