© Eugène Demole; 1911. "La première monnaie d'or de Neuchâtel". Revue suisse de numismatique 17 (public domain)
© Eugène Demole; 1911. "La première monnaie d'or de Neuchâtel". Revue suisse de numismatique 17 (public domain)
Écu pistolet - Henri I ND
1593 year| Gold (.909) | 3.452 g | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Duchy of Neuchâtel |
|---|---|
| Duke | Henry I of Orléans, Duke of Longueville (1588-1595) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1593 |
| Value | 1 Écu pistolet |
| Currency | Écu (1587-1707) |
| Composition | Gold (.909) |
| Weight | 3.452 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-07 |
| Numista | N#337013 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Quarterly shield of Orléans-Longueville and Neuchâtel with order below. Celery leaves fleurons.
Script: Latin
Lettering: OCVLI · DOMINI · SVPER · IVSTOS
Translation: The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous.
Comment
This is the oldest gold coin of Neuchâtel. The gold used for these coins comes from a chain belonging to the Lady of Chambrier, melted in 1593. The dies of this piece are in the collection of the Numismatic Cabinet of the Museum of Art and History of Neuchâtel. The only surviving piece was stolen from the museum in 1873. It is possible that the piece was then sold to the goldsmith Schwaab, who melted it.Reference:
Eugène Demole; 1911. "La première monnaie d'or de Neuchâtel". Revue suisse de numismatique 17, pages 330-333. http://doi.org/10.5169/seals-172633
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Écu pistolet - Henri I ND (1593) coin from the Duchy of Neuchâtel is that it was used as a form of currency in the 16th century, and its design features a unique combination of French and Swiss influences, reflecting the complex political and cultural history of the region.
