½ Sol Carolus - Charles III ND (1575-1581) front ½ Sol Carolus - Charles III ND (1575-1581) back
½ Sol Carolus - Charles III ND (1575-1581) photo
© pimmy (CC BY-NC-SA)

½ Sol Carolus - Charles III ND

 
Billon 0.8 g 17 mm
Description
Issuer
Duchy of Lorraine (French States)
Duke
Charles III (1545-1608)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1575-1581
Value
½ Sol (1⁄40)
Currency
Pound
Composition
Billon
Weight
0.8 g
Diameter
17 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#59002
Rarity index
78%

Reverse

Empty cross of Lorraine.

Script: Latin

Lettering: +MONETA . NANCEI . CV

Translation: Coin struck in Nancy.

Comment

Multiple lettering varieties. Three main varieties exist.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the ½ Sol Carolus - Charles III ND (1575-1581) coin from the Duchy of Lorraine (French States) is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in Europe. The coin was issued during the reign of Charles III, who was the Duke of Lorraine from 1575 until his death in 1581. During this time, the Protestant Reformation was gaining momentum, and the Catholic Church was facing challenges to its authority. Additionally, the Dutch Revolt was taking place, which led to the formation of the Dutch Republic. The coin's minting was likely a response to the economic and political changes that were occurring in Europe during this period.