I am trying to identify this coin, which is kind of so called Meissen Groschen. These coins following pattern of Prague groschen were issued by many German states in the 15th century. Previous owner's guess was that this groschen is from Hessen but I cannot find it.
I am trying to identify this coin, which is kind of so called Meissen Groschen. These coins following pattern of Prague groschen were issued by many German states in the 15th century. Previous owner's guess was that this groschen is from Hessen but I cannot find it.
I agree with harryg that this is likely a groschen of the Margraviate of Meissen (less likely Hessen). We can see enough of the legend on the lion side to match it to the typical legend: GROSSVS MARCH MISENSIS. I think other places would have a different legend?
If we have clearer photos of the cross side, we might be able to identify enough of the lettering to make a definite ID of the ruler.
Coin's diameter is 28 mm, weight 2,2 g, composition silver but it is quite common in case of this type of coins, that the weight somewhat variates. But Hessen groschen issued by Ludwig I or Ludwig II usually have a small shield with coat of arms of Nidda county alongside of the lion. There is no shield on my coin.
- Wilhelm with Friedrich (1412-1425) used W F ? DЄI GRACIA TVRING LANG (possibly the best match for the cross side), but the lion is inside a shield https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=4986797 ;
None of these are a match for what we see on your coin, but maybe this is not the complete list of rulers/coins?
1. I believe this is an uncommon type. When I put “Groschen Friederich Sigismund” into acsearch, I find 12 examples with the lion in shield, but only 1 example with no shield (like yours)
