1 Poltura - Francis II Rákóczi

Francis II Rákóczi struck these copper poltura coins during the War of Independence against Habsburg rule, when his confederation controlled much of Upper Hungary and Transylvania. With no access to royal mints, Rákóczi established his own minting operations — principally at Körmöcbánya when it fell under his control in 1703 — funding a military campaign that at its peak fielded over 70,000 kuruc soldiers.

The copper coinage was deeply unpopular. Rákóczi's financial advisors pushed for acceptance by fiat, but troops and merchants alike distrusted issues unbacked by silver. By 1707, currency debasement had become a serious drag on the rebellion's logistics.