Catalog
| Issuer | Hungary |
|---|---|
| Year | 1485-1490 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denier (Denár) (1⁄96) |
| Currency | Florin (1310-1540) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.46 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | ÉH#569, H#724 |
| Obverse description | Fourfold Hungarian coat of arms: Hungarian Árpád stripes, Hungarian double cross, Dalmatian leopard heads, Bohemian lions. In chest shield Hunyadi crow with ring in peak; Szapolyai Coat of Arms in small in central lettering below the shield. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering |
+ MONETA VNGARIE (Translation: Money of Hungary) |
| Reverse description | Crowned Madonna holding baby Jesus in her right arms divides mintmark |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering |
PATRO VNGARI S W (Translation: Patron of Hungary) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1485-1490) S - V - - ND (1485-1490) S - W - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1013774210 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver denier dates to King Matthias Corvinus's (1458-1490) occupation of Vienna, specifically 1485-1490. Matthias, a powerful military leader and Renaissance patron, conquered the Habsburg capital, integrating it into his expanding Hungarian realm. Minting Hungarian coinage in Vienna symbolized his suzerainty over Austrian territories, asserting his ambition and the power of his "Black Army." These deniers served as essential small change, reinforcing Hungarian administrative control.
Artistry: The design, constrained by its diminutive size, reflects late Gothic numismatic traditions of Central Europe. Engravers for such fractional issues were typically anonymous, but the style is characteristic of period mints. Obverse designs commonly feature the Hungarian coat of arms – Árpád stripes and the patriarchal double cross – often crowned. The reverse frequently depicts standing St. Ladislaus, Hungary's patron saint, or the Madonna and Child, iconic motifs affirming legitimacy.
Technical/Grading: Weighing just 0.46 grams, this silver denier exemplifies challenges of striking small-denomination 15th-century coinage. Full strikes are exceedingly rare; issues often present with irregular flans, off-center strikes, and weak areas, particularly on legends or finer details. High-points for wear and strike quality include the crown atop the shield, facial features of the saint or Madonna, and shield extremities. Collectors should anticipate varying clarity, with a well-centered strike and legible legends being premium attributes.