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Huszár 576, Pohl 117-1, Unger 449a, Réthy II 121
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Hungary. Sigismund (Zsigmond, in Hun.) of Luxembourg (1387-1437; Holy Roman Emperor 1433-1437). AR denar, 14 mm.
Obv: MOn • SIG—ISMVnDI, Patriarchal cross.
Rev: + • REGIS VnGARIE ETC, Four-part shield (Árpádian stripes and Brandenburg eagle).
The type was struck in 1390-1427 (per Pohl, Huszár & Unger).
Huszár/Pohl rarity rating 4. The descriptions and depictions vary amongst the references with respect to the presence or absence of pellets in the reverse legend. This coin comports with the description and depictions in Huszár.
This emission was withdrawn from circulation after 1427. It was struck with a nominal fineness of 0.582 silver and an average weight of 0.51 g. (per Huszár). However, Engel notes that in 1390 Sigismund was able to temporarily restore the stability of the denar by the issuance of this new emission, which was referred to as nova moneta. For thirteen years the value of the denar remained stable, and 100 were the equivalent of the aranyforint. In 1403 debasement occurred, and130 were the equivalent of the aranyforint. The debasements continued, so that by 1406 the price of an aranyforint was 160 denars, it was 200 in 1421, 225 in 1423 and 320 in 1426.
“Owing to inner strife and disordered general conditions, the coins [of this period] were usually minted with extremely low precious metal content; moreover, poor mintages were often struck with negligently engraved dies. As a result of the hurried, superficial minting, it was sometimes doubtful whether a faulty coin had been issued officially, or was a forgery” (Huszár 1963, at 15).
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