36 Kreuzers / ½ Thaler - Ferdinand I (Klagenfurt)

The 36 Kreuzer piece, often valued as a half-thaler, was struck in 1559 at the Klagenfurt mint within the Duchy of Carinthia. During the mid-16th century, the Holy Roman Empire utilized these coins to bridge the gap between smaller currency denominations and the larger silver thalers, which were increasingly essential for regional trade and the payment of administrative expenses under the Habsburg monarchy.

The design reflects the standard iconography of the era, featuring the portrait of Ferdinand I, who was King of Hungary and Bohemia and later Holy Roman Emperor. These issues were produced during a period of transition in minting technology, moving toward standardized weight and purity to maintain economic stability across his diverse territories. They remain highly regarded today as primary sources for understanding the monetary policy and regional authority of the Carinthian estates during the 16th century.