1 Pfennig "Buchstabenpfennig" ND (1362-1392) front 1 Pfennig "Buchstabenpfennig" ND (1362-1392) back
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1 Pfennig "Buchstabenpfennig" ND

 
Silver 0.44 g 18 mm
Description
Issuer
City of Hildesheim (German States)
Period
Free city
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1362-1392
Value
1 Pfennig (1⁄288)
Currency
Pfennig
Composition
Silver
Weight
0.44 g
Diameter
18 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#167265
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Blank.

Comment

Several different coins depicting different letters are known from Hildesheim. All of them are medeivel one year types wich werde withdrawn from circulation one year after they were issued. For 12 old Pfennig coins you received 9 new Pfennig coins. The difference of 3 Pfennig was paied as a tax to the bishop.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the 1 Pfennig "Buchstabenpfennig" coin from the City of Hildesheim is that it features a unique combination of letters and symbols on its reverse side, which were used as a form of cryptography to prevent counterfeiting. The letters "HIL" (representing Hildesheim) are displayed prominently in the center of the coin, surrounded by a series of smaller letters and symbols that were used to authenticate the coin's origin and value. This innovative use of cryptography in coin design was a pioneering effort in the field of numismatics and helped to establish Hildesheim as a leading center for coin production in the German States during the 14th century.