Unlike earlier and later decades, no great care was given to the designs of the Zurich coins in the first half of the 17th century. In the case of this coin, the letters N are with only one exception all side-inverted. The lion, too, is not as detailed and skillfully worked out as in other eras.
Half and quarter ducats were common circulation coins of the Zurich upper class at that time. The ladies and gentlemen used them, for instance, to pay their hairdressers or tailors.