Quartinus

A quartinus was a small, low-value silver coin used in medieval and early modern Europe. The name derives from the Latin "quartus," meaning "fourth," indicating its fractional value in relation to a larger denomination. While specific values and composition varied across different regions and time periods, the quartinus generally represented one-fourth of a larger, more commonly used coin.

The quartinus was prevalent in regions like the Rhineland, the Low Countries (modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands), and parts of what is now Germany. Different territories and issuers minted their own versions, leading to variations in weight, silver content, and design. As a low-denomination coin, it served primarily for everyday transactions and smaller purchases.

The historical record reveals its usage in various contexts, including wage payments, market exchanges, and general circulation. Due to its lower silver content, it was often subject to debasement, meaning the silver content was reduced over time, impacting its perceived value and purchasing power. The production and use of quartini gradually declined as monetary systems evolved and new coins with more stable values were introduced. Today, quartini are primarily of interest to numismatists (coin collectors) and historians studying monetary history.