MEDIEVAL TOKEN

1500

A copper-alloy double-sided coin weight of Post-Medieval date 1500 to 1658 probably for weighing a Hungarian Ducat. It is rectangular in form and section with uneven edges. The obverse depicts a standing figure within a beaded circular border, holding a sceptre over the shoulder. The standing figure is probably that of St. Ladislaus. The reverse carries a maker's mark comprising a hand and although indistinct probably letters B F within a beaded or border. This would indicate that manufacture was in Antwerp by the maker Bernaert Foncq. The weight is therefore of early Post-Medieval date, dating to before 1658 AD.As well as being the centre of the entire international economy in the sixteenth century, Antwerp was the hub of coin weight manufacture in the southern Netherlands. More than 70 makers are known to have mass produced coin weights (Withers: 1995: 10). These were widely used in the sixteenth century. Sets of Dutch coin weights were widely sold and many ended up in the hands of English merchants, which could explain how the Durham coin weight came to Durham.Ladislas was king of Hungary between 1077 and 1095. He was a Christian knight-king who united Hungary and personified the knight-king ideal. He was canonised in June 1192 and continued to be a national hero in Hungary after his death.Reference: Withers, P and B, 1995. Identifying Coin-Weights Found in Britain Lions Ships and Angels. Galata Print, Powys. It is uncertain as to which denomination of coin the weight was intended for.