Masson - Leopold I

1728 year


Billon	3.06 g	23 mm

Description

Issuer	Duchy of Lorraine (French States)
Duke	Leopold (1697-1729)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Year	1728
Value	1 Masson = 150 Deniers (⅝)
Currency	Pound of Lorraine (1700-1737)
Composition	Billon
Weight	3.06 g
Diameter	23 mm
Shape	Round
Demonetized	Yes
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#59729
Rarity index	90%

Reverse

Four crowned alerions placed like a cross, surrounding a shining Jerusalem Cross.

Script: Latin

Lettering: MON.NANC.CVSA.1728.

Translation: Coin struck in Nancy.

Edge

Plaited.

Comment

Leopold I is the son of Charles V (1642-1690), a lackland duke. Unlike his father, he managed taking back his Duchy after the Ryswick treatees signed on October 30th, 1697. The following year he spoused Charlotte of Orleans, niece of Louis XIV of France, making Leopold I torn in two, between his 2 families: in one side, the French reigning family of his wife, and in the other side, his own family, whose uncle and cousins ruled over the Archiduchy of Austria and as Holy Roman Emperors.

Even Lorraine was simply a Duchy, the Duke Leopold Ier wore the title of King on his coins, plaiming himself heir of Godefroy de Bouillon, former King of Jerusalem. This also explains the use of a simplified Jerusalem cross on the reverse.

Interesting fact

The Masson - Leopold I 1728 coin from the Duchy of Lorraine (French States) was made of Billon, which is an alloy of copper and silver. This coin was unique in that it was one of the first coins to use this alloy, which was invented by a French engineer named Jacques de la Valette in the early 18th century. The use of Billon in coins allowed for a more durable and resistant material than copper alone, while also being less expensive than pure silver. This innovation in coinage helped to pave the way for the widespread use of Billon in currency across Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Price

Date	Mintage	VG	F	VF	XF	AU	UNC
1728	5042412	-	-	-	-	-	-

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Masson - Leopold I 1728 coin.