Christian VI's reign saw Denmark locked in fiscal austerity following the wars and debt of his predecessors, and low-denomination billon issues like this one were produced to keep small commerce functioning while the crown avoided heavier silver expenditure. The .187 fineness is barely silver at all — closer to copper with a silver wash in practical terms — which made these skillings unpopular with the public and prone to hoarding of anything better.
Christian VI's reign saw Denmark locked in fiscal austerity following the wars and debt of his predecessors, and low-denomination billon issues like this one were produced to keep small commerce functioning while the crown avoided heavier silver expenditure. The .187 fineness is barely silver at all — closer to copper with a silver wash in practical terms — which made these skillings unpopular with the public and prone to hoarding of anything better.