½ Portugaløser - Frederik III 1653-1661 front ½ Portugaløser - Frederik III 1653-1661 back
½ Portugaløser - Frederik III 1653-1661 photo
© Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo, Norway (CC BY 4.0)

½ Portugaløser - Frederik III

 
Gold 17.204 g 41 mm
Description
Issuer
Denmark
King
Frederick III (Frederik III) (1648-1670)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1653-1661
Value
½ Portugaloser = 5 Ducat (10)
Currency
Rigsdaler specie (1625-1813)
Composition
Gold
Weight
17.204 g
Diameter
41 mm
Shape
Round
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#386549
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Oval arms of Denmark in center; around, surrounding and connected to central arm, 11 flat-topped shields with arms of Danish provinces. Above the two top shields is the Crown of Denmark with at the base a rope that encircles all the shields. At the lower part of the rope is attached the pendant of the Order of the Elephant. Date and mintmark are at the end of the legend.

Script: Latin

Lettering: DOMINUS PRO UIDEBIT • 1655 HK

Translation: The Lord will be my guide.

Interesting fact

The ½ Portugaløser coin from Denmark, minted during the reign of King Frederik III (1653-1661), was made of gold and weighed 17.204 grams. That's equivalent to about 0.55 troy ounces or 17.55 grams, which is relatively heavy for a circulating coin. It's worth noting that the coin's weight and composition were likely chosen to ensure its durability and value, given the high gold content. Additionally, the coin's design and mintage may have been influenced by the economic and political climate of Denmark during that time period.