1 Krone – Denmark
Denmark
Context
Material
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard571
Numista: #147934
Value
Bullion value: $42.13
Obverse
Description:
King Frederik V laureate, facing right, with long curly hair. Engraver's initial on truncation.
Inscription:
FREDERICUS V | DEI GRATIA .
W
W
Script: Latin
Engraver: Peter Christian Winsløw
Reverse
Description:
Shield with the arms of Denmark, Norway, and the Kalmar Union, crowned and flanked by palm and laurel branches. Below, the branches twist with a band holding the Order of the Elephant pendant, which divides the date. Two lines of legend above the shield, the smaller second line being the King's motto.
Inscription:
• DAN • NOR • VAN • GOT • REX •
• PRUDENTIA ET CONSTANTIA •
- 17 48 -
• PRUDENTIA ET CONSTANTIA •
- 17 48 -
Script: Latin
Edge
Categories
| Symbols> Coat of Arms |
Mints
| Name | Mark |
|---|---|
| Royal Danish Mint | — |
Mintings
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Quality | Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1748 | — | — |
Historical background
In 1748, Denmark operated under a silver-based monetary system, yet the reality was one of significant complexity and disorder. The primary unit was the rigsdaler, subdivided into 96 skilling. However, the circulation was a chaotic mix of domestic and foreign coins, including older Danish issues, German thalers, Dutch ducats, and Swedish coins, all with varying silver content and exchange rates. This proliferation of different coins, many clipped or worn, made everyday commerce difficult and fostered widespread distrust.
The root of this instability lay in decades of deliberate currency debasement by the crown. To finance state expenses, notably the costly wars of the early 18th century, the government had repeatedly reduced the silver content in newly minted coins while demanding taxes in older, full-weight specie. This created a destructive cycle where "good" money was hoarded or melted down for its bullion value, while "bad" money flooded the market, causing inflation and economic uncertainty for the common populace.
By 1748, the situation had reached a critical point, creating intense pressure for comprehensive reform. The year itself was a pivotal moment of anticipation, as the Danish state, under the administration of Count Johan Ludvig Holstein, was actively preparing a sweeping monetary overhaul. This reform, which would be enacted the following year in 1749, aimed to standardize the coinage, restore its silver value, and simplify the national currency system, finally addressing the chronic instability that had plagued Danish trade and finance for generations.
The root of this instability lay in decades of deliberate currency debasement by the crown. To finance state expenses, notably the costly wars of the early 18th century, the government had repeatedly reduced the silver content in newly minted coins while demanding taxes in older, full-weight specie. This created a destructive cycle where "good" money was hoarded or melted down for its bullion value, while "bad" money flooded the market, causing inflation and economic uncertainty for the common populace.
By 1748, the situation had reached a critical point, creating intense pressure for comprehensive reform. The year itself was a pivotal moment of anticipation, as the Danish state, under the administration of Count Johan Ludvig Holstein, was actively preparing a sweeping monetary overhaul. This reform, which would be enacted the following year in 1749, aimed to standardize the coinage, restore its silver value, and simplify the national currency system, finally addressing the chronic instability that had plagued Danish trade and finance for generations.
✨ Legendary