Austria “Right Hand of God” Heller (c. 1300) NGC

Own a powerful and evocative medieval coin: the Austrian “Right Hand of God” Heller, struck circa 1300 CE. This iconic coin departs from traditional religious iconography by presenting the Manus Dei — the Hand of God — alone, without the usual earthly beneficiary beneath it.

Earlier uses of the Manus Dei in art and coinage often showed the divine hand extended above kings or emperors, symbolizing divine favor or coronation. Notably, Roman coins from the 4th century depict the Hand leading Emperor Constantine to heaven — a dramatic statement of divine endorsement. In contrast, this Heller removes the monarch, saint, or supplicant entirely, allowing the Hand to stand alone as a universal emblem of blessing.

The message is subtle yet profound: divine influence is not limited to rulers or clergy. The bearer of this coin — peasant, merchant, or noble — is symbolically placed under God’s protection. As such, this piece was often considered more than currency. It became a talisman, a token of luck and divine favor in uncertain times.

Struck in billon or low-silver alloy, the Hand Heller reflects both the spiritual and economic life of late medieval Central Europe. Its widespread circulation and powerful symbolism helped solidify its status as one of the most distinctive medieval coins.

This “Right Hand of God” Heller offers collectors not just a rare and beautifully preserved artifact, but a deeply symbolic piece of medieval spiritual life — a coin believed not only to pay, but to bless.