© Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg
© Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg
½ Teston - Leopold I Jerusalem cross
| Silver (.760) | 4.0 g | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Duchy of Lorraine (French States) |
|---|---|
| Duke | Leopold (1697-1729) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1710-1712 |
| Value | ½ Teston (¼) |
| Currency | Pound of Lorraine (1700-1737) |
| Composition | Silver (.760) |
| Weight | 4.0 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#365734 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Crowned cross of Jerusalem. Rosette below.
Script: Latin
Lettering: IN · TE · DOMINE SPERAVI · 1711 ·
Translation: In you, Lord, I put my trust.
Comment
It was common practice to strike this type over earlier types of half teston.Variant with alerion under the cross also is known (ref deSaulcy plate XXX)
During Leopold's reign, the value of the gold and silver coins was constantly changing. According to de Saulcy (p. 197), th teston was valued by an ordinance of Nov. 17, 1710 at 28 sous (1.4 livres). By an ordinance of March 18, 1714, the value of newly struck testons would be 25 sous, six deniers (1.28 livres). By an ordinance of December 28, 1715 1 livre one sous (1.05 livres).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Teston - Leopold I (Jerusalem cross) coin from the Duchy of Lorraine is that it features a unique design element - the Jerusalem cross. This cross is a symbol of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, which was a crusader state established in the 12th century. The inclusion of this symbol on the coin highlights the historical and cultural significance of the Duchy of Lorraine and its ties to the broader European context of the time.
