Hungary Denier 1568 Maximilian I Silver coin

 

The Hungary Denier 1568 Maximilian I Silver coin is a fascinating example of Central European coinage from the late Renaissance period, reflecting the complex political and economic dynamics of 16th-century Hungary under Habsburg rule.

Hungary Denier 1568 Maximilian I Silver coin

see video:   https://facebook.com/coincombinat.net/videos/1036817051726240/

Historical Context

  • Date: 1568

  • Ruler: Maximilian I of Habsburg (ruled as King of Hungary from 1563 to 1576)

  • Region: Royal Hungary (Habsburg-controlled western and northern parts of Hungary)

  • Historical Background:
    Following the Battle of Mohács in 1526, Hungary was divided:

    • Royal Hungary: under Habsburg control

    • Ottoman Hungary: occupied by the Ottomans

    • Eastern Hungarian Kingdom / Transylvania: semi-independent

Maximilian I, as Holy Roman Emperor (from 1564) and King of Hungary, ruled over Royal Hungary during this turbulent time, marked by constant warfare and diplomacy with the Ottoman Empire.

Coin Overview

FeatureSpecification
DenominationDenier (Denár in Hungarian)
MetalSilver (low fineness, typically ~0.250–0.500)
Diameter~15–17 mm
Weight~0.5 – 0.8 grams
MintLikely Kremnica (Körmöcbánya), a major mint in the Kingdom of Hungary
ObverseCrowned royal monogram or coat of arms, often with Latin inscriptions
ReverseCross or symbolic Christian imagery, sometimes with mintmark or date
Legend (typical)“MAXIMILIANVS D G REX HVNG” (Maximilian, by the Grace of God, King of Hungary)
Date1568 (clear on most examples)

Design and Symbolism

  • Obverse:

    • Typically features a crowned shield or Habsburg coat of arms.

    • Reflects the authority of Maximilian I as king of Hungary and member of the powerful Habsburg dynasty.

  • Reverse:

    • A cross or patriarchal cross, a common Christian symbol in medieval and Renaissance coinage.

    • Indicates both the Christian character of the kingdom and its ideological opposition to the Muslim Ottoman Empire.


    • Significance

      • Small denomination: The denier was a low-value coin used for everyday transactions, such as buying bread or small goods.

      • Historical marker: Coins like this help document the economic and political history of Habsburg Hungary, especially during a time when the region was a contested frontier between Christian Europe and the Ottoman Empire.

      • Minting Quality: These coins were crude by modern standards, often off-center or weakly struck, but this reflects the technology of the time and the urgent need for currency.

      • Collectibility and Value

        • Commonness: These coins are relatively common among medieval coin collectors, especially in Eastern Europe.

        • Condition: Due to age and usage, most are in Fine (F) to Very Fine (VF) condition.

        • Typical Value:

          • Poor to Fair: $5–$15 USD

          • Fine to VF: $20–$40 USD

          • Exceptionally well-preserved or rare mintmarks: $50–$100+

        Collectors prize these coins for their historical value rather than aesthetic perfection, and they’re often used in educational settings to illustrate Habsburg influence in Eastern Europe.

      • After the disastrous Battle of Mohács in 1526, Hungary fractured into three parts:

        1. Royal Hungary (ruled by the Habsburgs),

        2. Ottoman-occupied central Hungary, and

        3. Transylvania, under semi-independent princes.

        By 1568, when this denier was minted:

        • Maximilian I was balancing diplomacy and war with the Ottoman Empire.

        • The Treaty of Adrianople (1568) had just been signed with the Ottomans, confirming the uneasy peace and division of Hungary.

        • Royal Hungary needed a stable economy to fund border fortresses, administrators, and mercenaries. Even small denominations like the denier played a role in maintaining local economies and asserting royal control.

        • Minting and Technology

          • Struck coinage: These were hand-struck with hammered dies. Every coin is slightly different—misalignments, uneven strikes, and off-center legends are common.

          • Metal quality: The silver content was relatively low compared to earlier medieval coinage. Many deniers of this period contain .250–.400 fineness silver, often mixed with copper.

          • Mints:

            • The Körmöcbánya (Kremnica) mint was the most prominent mint in Hungary, famed for its consistency and quality.

            • Other mints (such as Nagybánya or Bártfa) occasionally produced small denominations too, but Kremnica was the likely mint for this 1568 piece.



Comments

Post a Comment

Featured Posts

USA $5 Dollars 2003 American Eagle Liberty 1/10 Oz Fine Gold Coin

Image
 USA $5 Dollars 2003 American Eagle Liberty 1/10 Oz Fine Gold Coin American gold coinage holds a unique place in the nation’s financial and cultural heritage. From the early days of the Republic to the present age of commemorative and bullion coins, gold has symbolized wealth, stability, and trust. The evolution of American gold coinage reflects not just monetary policy but also historical milestones, technological progress, and national identity. This essay explores the development, significance, and enduring legacy of American gold coinage. I. The Origins of Gold Coinage in the United States 1.1 The Coinage Act of 1792 The foundation of U.S. gold coinage began with the Coinage Act of 1792 , which established the United States Mint and authorized the production of gold, silver, and copper coins. It defined the dollar based on a bimetallic standard, fixing a ratio between gold and silver at 15:1. Gold coins were introduced in denominations including the $10 Eagle , $5 Half Eagl...
Read more

Ancient Roman Empire TRAIANUS 98-117 Tetradrachm of Antioch or Syros Silver Coins

Image
 Ancient Roman Empire TRAIANUS 98-117 Tetradrachm of Antioch or Syros Silver coins The Roman Empire under Emperor Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus), who reigned from 98 to 117 AD, is often remembered as a period of immense territorial expansion, architectural grandeur, and significant economic activity. Among the many artifacts that survive from this flourishing period, coinage stands as one of the most informative and widely studied categories. Coins serve not only as financial instruments but also as tools of imperial propaganda, cultural identity, and markers of political events. One of the most intriguing types of coinage from Trajan's reign is the silver tetradrachm minted in the Eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, particularly in cities such as Antioch and Syros (or Cyrrhus in Syria). This essay delves into the tetradrachm coinage of Trajan, minted in Antioch and Syros during his reign, exploring their historical context, numismatic details, artistic significance, and broad...
Read more

USA American Silver Morgan Dollar

Image
  The American Silver Morgan Dollar: History, Design, and Legacy Introduction The American Silver Morgan Dollar is one of the most iconic and widely collected coins in the history of U.S. numismatics. First minted in 1878 and last struck for circulation in 1921, the Morgan Dollar holds a unique place in the American monetary narrative. Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, the coin not only symbolizes the economic history of post-Civil War America but also embodies the intricate artistry and evolving industrial capacity of the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This article explores the history, design, production, economic context, and legacy of the Morgan Silver Dollar. We'll look into its origins, minting process, distribution, key dates and varieties, and resurgence among collectors in the 21st century. 1. Historical Context 1.1 The Birth of the Morgan Dollar The Morgan Dollar was born out of the political and economic turmoil following the Ameri...
Read more