© Leu Numismatik
© Leu Numismatik
½ Schilling ND
1490 year| Silver | 0.9 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | City of Lucerne |
|---|---|
| Period | Free imperial city (1415-1648) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1490 |
| Value | ½ Schilling (1⁄80) |
| Currency | Thaler (1422-1550) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.9 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#291888 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Saint Leodegar standing, nimbate, in regalia, wearing mitre, holding hand drill in right hand and crosier in left hand. Polylobe behind. Gothic script.
Script: Latin (uncial)
Lettering: SANC LEODE
Lettering (regular font): SANC LEODE
Translation:
Sanctus Leodegarius.
Saint Leodegar.
Comment
Minted around 1490.This coin is also known as a "light shilling". The perforation is considered a sign of demonetization. A die inventory from 1550 mentions two half-shilling anvil dies and seven hammer dies.
Varieties:
Variety 1 (Wielandt# 24)
Obverse lettering: ✠ MONETA ❀ NO ❀ LVCER
Reverse lettering: SANC LEODE
Variety 2 (Wielandt# 24a)
Obverse lettering: ✠ MONETA ❀ NO ❀ LVCER
Reverse lettering: SANCT LVDIG
Variety 3 (Wielandt# 24b)
Obverse lettering: ✠ MONETA ❀ NO ❀ LVCERN
Reverse lettering: SANCT LEODIGA
Interesting fact
The ½ Schilling ND (1490) coin from the City of Lucerne is interesting because it was minted during a time when the Swiss Confederation was still a relatively new entity, having been formed just over a century prior in 1291. The coin's silver content and small denomination suggest that it was likely used for everyday transactions, and its design may have featured an image of the city's patron saint, St. Leodegar, or a depiction of the city's coat of arms.
