© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Thaler - Immobilization in the name of Charles V
| Silver | - | 35 mm |
| Issuer | Free imperial city of Besançon (French States) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1641-1646 |
| Value | ½ Thaler = 16 Groschen |
| Currency | Thaler (1537-1673) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Diameter | 35 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#65634 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
City arms in circle, date at end of legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ✠ MONETA : CIVI : IMP : BISVNTINÆ
Translation: Coinage of the imperial city of Besançon.
Comment
The year 1641 is unlisted in the KM catalogue but coins exist for this year
Image Courtesy © of Aureo & Calicó S.L.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in Europe, specifically during the Thirty Years War (1618-1648). The Free Imperial City of Besançon, where the coin was minted, was a small independent city-state located in what is now eastern France, and it was a strategic location that was heavily fortified to protect it from the conflicts happening around it. Despite the turmoil, the city was able to maintain its independence and continue minting its own coins, like this ½ Thaler, which was used as a form of currency for trade and commerce.
