Calculation penny with Reckoning Master

Calculation penny

approx. 1630

The calculating penny made of brass was struck around 1630 by the Nuremberg calculating penny embosser Hans-Joachim Krauwinkel.

The inscriptions on the front and back read: a) + Hanns. KR-AV-WINCKEL. IN.NVR; b) FLEISIGE.RECHNVNG.MACHT.REICHKEIK as well as ABCD|EFGHIK|LMNOPQ|RST-VW|XYZ.

On the front side a calculating master is shown sitting at a calculating table with a chain-like table border. On the table is a line system and 12 arithmetic pennies.

The bearded arithmetician wears a robe of the 17th century.

On the side of the calculating table facing the observer is a decoration in the form of a standing trefoil attached to two triangularly tapering holders.

This form, consisting of three semicircles and reminiscent of a cloverleaf, was a common design element on coins since the High Middle Ages.

The reverse side shows the alphabet as an inscription in a circle of pearls as well as the circulating saying that diligent calculation makes correctness.