½ Guldengroschen - Albert IV of Brandenburg 1537-1540 front ½ Guldengroschen - Albert IV of Brandenburg 1537-1540 back
½ Guldengroschen - Albert IV of Brandenburg 1537-1540 photo
© Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg

½ Guldengroschen - Albert IV of Brandenburg

 
Silver 14.38 g -
Description
Issuer
Archbishopric of Magdeburg (German States)
Archbishop
Albert of Brandenburg (Albrecht von Brandenburg) (1513-1545)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1537-1540
Value
½ Guldengroschen
Currency
Thaler
Composition
Silver
Weight
14.38 g
Shape
Round
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#222164
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

4-fold arms with 3 small central shields of arms, 2 above 1, cross and cardinal's hat above.

Script: Latin

Lettering: ALBERT CARDI ARCH(I)E. MAG(D)(B).

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the ½ Guldengroschen coin is that it was issued during a time of great religious and political upheaval in Germany. The coin was minted during the reign of Albert IV of Brandenburg, who was a powerful prince-elector and archbishop of the Archbishopric of Magdeburg. This was a period of religious reform and conflict, with the Protestant Reformation gaining momentum and the Catholic Church struggling to maintain its authority. The coin's design and symbolism reflect this turmoil, with the obverse featuring a depiction of Albert IV in elaborate robes and a crucifix, while the reverse bears the coat of arms of the Archbishopric of Magdeburg. Despite the turmoil of the time, the ½ Guldengroschen coin remains a valuable and sought-after collector's item, a testament to the enduring legacy of this fascinating period in history.