Huszár 724, Pohl 225, Unger 569a-b, Réthy II 238, Kaplan Subtype A

Hungary. Matthias “Corvinus” (Mátyás Hunyadi in Hun.) (1458-1490). AR denar, 14.5 mm.

Obv: + MONETA – VNGARIE, Four-part shield with Hungarian arms (Árpádian stripes, patriarchal cross, Dalmatian leopard heads, Bohemian lion), raven with ring in escutcheon, small Szapolyai shield (rampant unicorn facing left) below.

Rev: PATRO – VNG, Crowned nimbate Madonna with nimbate infant Jesus to her right, S–W in fields.

The type was probably struck in occupied Vienna by István Szapolyai, the Hungarian provincial governor, 1487-1490 (per Pohl) or 1489-1490 (per Huszár) or ca. 1485-1490 (per Unger), with an average fineness of approximately .500 silver, and an average weight of .59023 g.

Subtype A is the standard variety of this emission, in which the legends are in a Renaissance style.

Historic Note: There had been tension and sporadic warfare between Matthias and Frederick III of Austria (the Holy Roman Emperor) from the inception of Matthias's reign. On June 1, 1485 Vienna fell to the Hungarian forces. Matthias made the city his capital, and declared himself Duke of Austria. The city reverted to Habsburg control immediately after Matthias died.