Author |
Replies: 10 / Views: 252 |
|
New Member
United States
9 Posts |
I have not personally seen the CRESCENT and X indicated by the RED arrows on the reverse of the coin below (see digital images), or any other billon medieval coins from Spain of the period 718-1400 AD. Have others noticed these or similar marks on the coins of the period 718-1400 AD in their collections, or elsewhere? Are these marks related to an engraver, mintmaster, both or..? Any ideas, comments or thoughts most welcome. 17mm 0.74 g. Billon Burgos Mint  
|
|
Moderator

United States
94433 Posts |
 to the Community!
|
Bedrock of the Community
Australia
17902 Posts |
numsrs:  to the CCF ! Love to know which country you live. What is your main area of interest in numismatics? Would love to learn from you in your specialist area of knowledge. Although I collect World coins covering from ancient to modern, my lack of specialist knowledge cannot help. In this case unfortunately, I am a generalist, not a specialist, despite the fact that I have been an active collector for more than 50 years. I hope you get an answer because I am also very interested to find out.
|
New Member
United States
9 Posts |
Many thanks for the welcome. Am a coin, token & medal collector for 50 years, originally in New York...for the last 22 years in south Florida. I am a generalist too. Collect world-wide; ancients, medieval, foreign, US from all periods and continents...This coin has been in the collection for 40 years and am trying to fully attribute it. My Caston & Cayon from 1979 is not enough. Thought to get help from The Coin Community Family. Trust I may be able to participate for some time yet.
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1543 Posts |
|
New Member
United States
9 Posts |
Thank you for the links. The crescent as a design element is clearly shown in the links. The crescent does not appear to be a design element in the doubled square enclosed lion of the novens of Alfonso XI. A basin (looks like a crescent) is used as a mintmark of the coins of Cuena. However, this mintmark appears under the castle on the obverse of the coin not near or under the lion of the reverse. In addition the crescent and the X do not appear on any of the previous Alfonsos.
My guess is these marks indicate a new or unlisted type in the Alfonso XI series. My reference is likely out of date after 41 years. A specialist in the medieval Spain series might be familiar with the current scholarship. This new scholarship might have found new types for Alfonso XI, one of which might be the coin in hand. If so, I will have a reference with, it is hoped, a reference number to fully attribute the coin...my ultimate goal.
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1543 Posts |
|
New Member
United States
9 Posts |
Many thanks GinCoin43. The coin in the link is an exact match to my own, though, a half a grade to a grade better. The description of the lot contains what appears to be a reference number (AB. 355.4). If I am able to track the number to a standard reference for the series, I may be able to gain additional information about the coin. Or, as indicated in the previous links, the marks may prove to be design elements for decorative purposes. Thanks again. I can finally put this one to bed.
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1543 Posts |
I don't know what they are refencing but I'm sure it will be in Spanish. The entry will probably read: "Flor de 6 pétalos delante del león y sobre él creciente hacia arriba".
|
Pillar of the Community

Sweden
545 Posts |
I have only French medievals, and there small signs like these are marks of mint masters, sometimes engravers. Typically they are found embedded in the inscription though, not in the design fields.
The reference AB should be Alvarez Burgos: Catálogo general de la Moneda medieval Castellano-Leonesa, siglos XI-XV.
|
New Member
United States
9 Posts |
Maybe not flower petals but surely something similar...Thanks erafjel, now I not only have the reference number, but the reference itself. Thank you members, I am most grateful.
|
|
Replies: 10 / Views: 252 |
|