© Jean Elsen & ses Fils s.a.
© Jean Elsen & ses Fils s.a.
½ Groschen
| Silver | 0.89 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | City of Metz (French States) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1647-1652 |
| Value | ½ Groschen |
| Currency | Thaler |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.89 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Thickness | 0.7 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#257734 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 91% |
Reverse
St. Stephen kneeling between two small shields of arms, date in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
S. STEPHA - PROTO. M
· 1647 ·
Translation: Saint Stephen protomartyr.
Interesting fact
The ½ Groschen coin was minted during a time of great turmoil in Europe, specifically during the Thirty Years War (1618-1648). This conflict had a profound impact on the coinage of the time, as many mints were forced to produce emergency issues to help finance the war effort. The ½ Groschen coin is an example of one such emergency issue, and its production was likely a response to the economic demands of the war. Despite its origins in a time of conflict, the coin remains a valuable piece of numismatic history.