Catalog
| Issuer | Austrian Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 1561-1563 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 30 Kreuzer (1/2) |
| Currency | Thaler (1520-1754) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 11.9 g |
| Diameter | 33 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Markl#1747-1753 |
| Obverse description | Bearded portrait, half size, with armour, facing right, of Ferdinand I. Sceptre at right hand and orb bearing the value at left hand. Continuous legend (starts 12h). |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | FERD D G RO IMP S AVG GER HVNG BO REX |
| Reverse description | Double headed imperial eagle with halos, on the breast, 4 fold shield with ancient Hungary and Bohemia, small Tyrol shield at center. Legend around (starts 1h) divided by the crown, date at end. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | INF HIS ARCH AVS D BVR COM TIR date |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1561 - (fr) Markl#1747 - Markl#1749 - 1562 - (fr) Markl#1750 - Markl#1752 - 1563 - (fr) Markl#1753 - |
| Numisquare ID | 1003657190 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor (1556-1564), consolidated Habsburg power after Charles V's abdication, navigating Reformation and Ottoman threats. His reign focused on administrative reforms and economic stabilization. The Hall mint, vital for its silver, produced this 30 Kreuzers 1/2 Guldenthaler. This denomination was crucial for the Austrian Empire's economy, facilitating commerce and asserting imperial monetary authority across his diverse domains during a period of significant imperial transition.
Artistry: The artistry of this 30 Kreuzers coin from Hall reflects the late Renaissance style of Habsburg numismatics. Though the engraver is anonymous, the design embodies a sophisticated courtly aesthetic. The obverse features a commanding, armored bust of Ferdinand I, rendered with realistic gravitas characteristic of period portraiture. The reverse displays the imperial double-headed eagle, crowned and bearing armorial shields. This intricate heraldic design powerfully conveys imperial authority and dynastic legitimacy through established iconography.
Technical/Grading: For grading, key high-points on this 30 Kreuzers 1/2 Guldenthaler include Ferdinand I's hair, crown, and armor details on the obverse. On the reverse, the imperial eagle's feathers, crown, and shield details are critical wear indicators. Early strikes show strong central detail, but period production features minor planchet imperfections, slight off-center strikes, or peripheral weakness due to manual methods. The 11.9 gram weight and 33 mm diameter conform to the monetary standards for this significant silver denomination.