© Sincona AG
© Sincona AG
½ Kreuzer
| Billon | 0.46 g | 17 mm |
| Issuer | City of Bern |
|---|---|
| Period | Free imperial city (1353-1648) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1547-1559 (1501-1600) |
| Value | ½ Kreuzer = 1⁄192 Guldiner |
| Currency | Guldiner (1492-1601) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 0.46 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-07 |
| Numista | N#179965 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Cross within circle.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ✠ BERCTOL · D · ZERINGE :
Comment
Examples of varieties of this type:• Variety ND #1:
Obverse: Continuous circle; lettering: ✠ MONE · BERNENSIS
Reverse: Pearled circle; lettering: ✠ BERCHT · D · ZERI COND
• Example ND #1 (0.69g, Extremely Fine - Uncirculated):
© Image courtesy of SINCONA AG
◦ Auctioned by SINCONA AG, Auction 30, 20 May 2016, Lot 3544. Sold for 1,100 CHF.
• Variety 1548:
Obverse: Pearled circle; lettering: ✠ MONE: BERNENS : 1548 :
Reverse: Pearled circle; lettering: ✠ BERCTOL · D · ZERI (...)
• Example 1548 #1 (0.66g):
© Image courtesy of SINCONA AG:
◦ Auctioned by SINCONA AG, Auction 53, 25 October 2018, Lot 6179. Evaluated at 500 CHF, unsold.
• Variety 1549:
Obverse: Continuous circle; lettering: ✠ MONE · BERNENS · 49 ·
Reverse: Continuous circle; lettering: ✠ BERCTOL · D · ZERINGE :
• Example 1549 #1 (0.64g, Very Fine - Extremely Fine):
© Image courtesy of SINCONA AG:
◦ Auctioned by SINCONA AG, Auction 30, 20 May 2016, Lot 3529. Sold for 850 CHF.
• Variety 1550 #1:
Obverse: Continuous circle; lettering: ✠ MONE : BERNS : 1550 :
Reverse: Continuous circle; lettering: ✠ BERCTOL · D · ZERINGE :
• Example 1550 #1 (0.46g, Almost Extremely Fine):
© Image courtesy of SINCONA AG:
◦ Auctioned by SINCONA AG, Auction 30, 20 May 2016, Lot 3531. Sold for 1,300 CHF.
• Variety 1554:
Obverse: Continuous circle; lettering: ✠ MONE : BERNS : 1554
Reverse: Continuous circle; lettering: ✠ BERCTOL · D · ZERINGE
• Example 1554 #1 (0.50g, Very Fine):
© Image courtesy of SINCONA AG:
◦ Auctioned by SINCONA AG, Auction 53, 25 October 2018, Lot 6184. Sold for 1,200 CHF.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Kreuzer coin from the City of Bern is that it was made of Billon, which is an alloy of silver and copper. This was a common practice during the 16th century, as it allowed for the production of coins that were more durable and resistant to wear and tear than those made of pure silver. The use of Billon in coinage also made it possible to produce a larger number of coins with a lower silver content, which helped to meet the growing demand for small denomination coins during this time period.
