Kreuzer - Beatus ND

The Kreuzer coin from the Bishopric of Chur (Grisons) is interesting because it was minted during a time of religious turmoil in Europe, specifically during the Protestant Reformation. The coin features an image of Saint Beatus, a 9th-century Irish monk who was revered as a saint in the region, and its minting was likely a way for the Catholic Church to promote its influence and authority in the face of Protestantism's growing popularity. Despite this, the coin was made of billon, a lower-quality metal alloy, indicating that the mint may have been struggling to produce coins due to a lack of resources or economic instability. This coin is a unique piece of history that highlights the complex religious and political climate of 16th-century Europe.

• medieval
• early modern