1 Mariengroschen - Kaspar I of Hörsel

Uitgever Corvey, Abbey of
Jaar 1547-1554
Type Standard circulation coin
Waarde 1 Mariengroschen (1⁄36)
Valuta Thaler
Samenstelling Billon (.404 silver)
Gewicht 1.98 g
Diameter 24 mm
Dikte 0.55 mm
Vorm Round
Techniek
Oriëntatie Variable alignment ↺
Graveur(s)
In omloop tot
Referentie(s) MB#31, Ilisch/Schwede#20 C/a, Weing Corvey#57
Beschrijving voorzijde Shield of Corvey arms in circle, date at end of legend.
Schrift voorzijde Latin
Opschrift voorzijde MON(ETA). NOVA. (CIVI.) HOXE(R)(IE).
Beschrijving keerzijde Madonna and Child, flames around, in circle.
Schrift keerzijde Latin
Opschrift keerzijde GAV(D). DEI. G(E) - NI. MARI(A).
Rand Smooth
Muntplaats
Oplage 1547 - -
1549 - -
1550 - -
1550 - (15)50 -
1551 - -
1551 - (15)51 -
1552 - 155Z -
1553 - -
1554 - -
1554 - (15)54 -
Numisquare-ID 6203338410
Aanvullende informatie

Historical Context: Kaspar I of Hörsel, Prince-Abbot of Corvey (1547-1554), governed this imperial abbey during the tumultuous mid-16th century. This era saw the Protestant Reformation's advance and shifting political allegiances within the Holy Roman Empire. Corvey, a significant spiritual and territorial power, faced increasing secularization pressures. Issuing this Mariengroschen affirmed Corvey's sovereign minting rights, a crucial symbol of its imperial immediacy and economic autonomy in a challenging landscape.

Artistry: The artistry of this Mariengroschen embodies the regional German Renaissance style, blending late Gothic elements typical of ecclesiastical mints. While the engraver is unrecorded, the obverse features the Virgin Mary (Marienbild), often enthroned or holding the Christ Child, symbolizing its namesake. The reverse typically displays the complex armorial bearings of the Abbey of Corvey alongside Prince-Abbot Kaspar I’s personal arms, encircled by identifying legends. These designs, though simplified for billon, conveyed spiritual and temporal authority.

Technical/Grading: This billon (0.404 silver) Mariengroschen, at 1.98 grams and 24 mm, presents typical period characteristics. High-points for wear include the Virgin's face and drapery, the Christ Child's features, and intricate heraldic details. Due to billon composition and striking methods, examples frequently show uneven strikes, planchet irregularities, and areas of weakness, especially in legends and along the rim. Fully struck, sharp examples across all design elements are highly prized.

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