GERMANY. Sachsen-Markgrafschaft Meißen. Friedrich II, 1323-1349. Kreuzgroschen (Silver, 30 mm, 3.75 g, 6 h), Freiberg, 1338. ✠ •FRID'•D'I•GR'A•TVRING'•LANGRAV'• Cross within quatrefoil, CRVX in corners with small cross below X. Rev. ✠ ✱GROSSVS:MARCH•MYSNENSIS Lion rampant left, small cross between forepaws. Krug 1/1. Mehner 1/4. Unusually well preserved and of splendid Gothic style. Minor areas of weakness, otherwise, virtually as struck.


The Kreuzgroschen were the first imitations of the influential Prague Groschen. Their reverse closely followed the Prague model, while the finely crafted obverse was inspired by the gold coins of French King Philippe VI (1293-1350), whom Friedrich II (1310-1349) supported during the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453). He likely encountered these coins (cf. Duplessy 247-257) firsthand during his involvement in the conflict.

These new Kreuzgroschen quickly became a widely used trade currency, gradually replacing the bracteates. Unlike the lower-quality Groschen of the late 14th century, the earliest and broader types of Groschen - such as our piece - were struck from high-grade silver in exceptionally fine style. Already a scarce issue in its own right, this early type is a rarity when found in such an appealing state of preservation.