2 Groats - William IV of Bavaria ND (1404-1417) front 2 Groats - William IV of Bavaria ND (1404-1417) back
2 Groats - William IV of Bavaria ND (1404-1417) photo
© Jean Elsen & ses Fils s.a.

2 Groats - William IV of Bavaria ND

 
Silver 3.3 g -
Description
Issuer
County of Hainaut (French States)
Count
William IV of Bavaria (1404-1417)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1404-1417
Value
2 Groats
Currency
Gros (1071-1506)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.3 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#313882
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Short floriate cross with alternating lions and shields in the angles

Script: Latin

Lettering: ✠ mOnETA· nOVIOR· VALEnCEnEnSIS

Translation: New coinage of Valenciennes

Comment

The 2 groat denomination was also known as a plaque during this era in the Low Countries

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in Europe, particularly in the Holy Roman Empire, where William IV of Bavaria was a prominent figure. The coin's minting date, ND (1404-1417), falls within the period of the Western Schism, a split in the Catholic Church that lasted from 1378 to 1417, causing political and religious tensions throughout the empire. Despite these challenges, the County of Hainaut, where the coin was minted, remained a significant economic and political power in the region. The coin's silver content and relatively low weight also suggest that it was intended for everyday use by common people, making it a unique piece of history that has survived to this day.