1 Ferding - Eric XIV Type 2, smooth shield

Historical Context: Issued by the City of Reval (modern Tallinn) during Eric XIV of Sweden's tumultuous reign (1560-1568), this 1 Ferding coin dates to a critical period of the Livonian War. Reval, a strategic Hanseatic port, placed itself under Swedish protection in 1561, becoming a vital outpost for the Swedish crown. The coinage reflects Swedish suzerainty, though minted by the city, underscoring the complex political landscape where local autonomy intersected with royal authority amidst regional conflict.

Artistry: This Eric XIV Type 2, smooth shield variant, exhibits characteristics typical of Northern European Renaissance numismatic art. While a specific engraver is unrecorded, local mint officials executed the design. The obverse likely features the Swedish royal cypher or Three Crowns, combined with Reval's arms—three lions passant guardant—on the reverse. The "smooth shield" suggests a simplified or unadorned rendering of heraldic elements, focusing on clarity and form rather than intricate detailing, common for smaller denominations.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver (2.82 grams, 24 mm), this Ferding often exhibits typical strike characteristics of the period. Key high-points for evaluation include the clarity of royal and civic heraldry, particularly the definition of crowns and lions within shields, and the legibility of surrounding legends and date. Due to manual striking, examples frequently show irregular flans, off-center strikes, or areas of weakness. A well-centered strike with sharp detail on central devices and full legends is highly desirable.