Catalog
| Issuer | Ösel-Wiek, Bishopric of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1564-1565 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Ferding = 9 Schillings |
| Currency | Schilling (1560-1568) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.71 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Haljak II#715, Fed#96, Neum#410 |
| Obverse description | Bust facing right surrounded by legend. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
MA · D · G · EP · OSI · C · E · RE (Translation: Magnus Dei Gratia Episcopus Osiliensis Couroniae (Wiciensis) et Revaliensis (Heres Norvegiae) Magnus, with God`s grace, Bishop of Ösel, Courland, and Reval (Heir of Norway)) |
| Reverse description | Eagle surrounded by legend. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
MO · N · ARENSBORCH · 65 · (Translation: Moneta Nova Arensburg New coin of Arensburg) |
| Edge | Smooth. |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1564) - - 1564 - (15)64; Date on obverse - 1564 - (15)64; Date on reverse - 1565 - (15)65 - |
| Numisquare ID | 2951704460 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1 Ferding coin, issued 1564-1565, marks a critical juncture in Livonian history under Magnus, Duke of Holstein. Though nominally Bishop of Ösel-Wiek, Magnus was a secular ruler appointed by Denmark, reflecting its strategic interests during the tumultuous Livonian War (1558-1583). His coinage signals the final dissolution of the independent Bishopric and the assertion of Danish influence, amidst intense geopolitical struggle for Baltic control between Sweden, Poland-Lithuania, Russia, and Denmark.
Artistry: The engraver of this regional wartime issue remains unrecorded. Stylistically, the coin embodies a late Northern Renaissance aesthetic, often characterized by pragmatic simplicity. The obverse typically features Magnus's ducal arms, symbolizing his temporal authority over traditional ecclesiastical imagery. The reverse displays the Bishopric's arms or a cross, accompanied by the denomination "1 FERDING" and date, reflecting local monetary standards during a period of widespread currency flux.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this 24mm, 2.71g coin's high-points for preservation include the central elements of the obverse shield or any depiction of Magnus's regalia. On the reverse, the central motif of the territorial arms or cross. Technical strike quality often varies, exhibiting weakness in peripheral legends or lower relief areas due to hurried wartime production. Flan irregularities and planchet imperfections are common, though well-centered strikes with full legends are highly prized.