1 Groshen - Ștefan IV Ștefăniță

Historical Context: The 1 Groshen of Ștefan IV Ștefăniță (1517-1527) emerges from a tumultuous period in Moldavian history. Son of Bogdan III, Ștefăniță’s reign was marked by profound Ottoman suzerainty, internal boyar conflicts, and shifting allegiances between the Ottoman Empire and Poland. Moldavia, a crucial buffer state, saw its autonomy increasingly eroded, a stark contrast to the preceding era of Ștefan cel Mare. The issuance of this silver groshen reflects the principality's continued, albeit diminished, economic sovereignty amidst intense geopolitical pressures from its powerful neighbors.

Artistry: Moldavian coinage of this early 16th-century period, primarily struck at the Suceava mint, does not typically feature identified engraver signatures; the specific master for MBR#762 remains anonymous. The stylistic school prioritizes heraldic symbolism characteristic of late medieval Eastern European numismatics. The obverse invariably features the traditional Moldavian aurochs head (caput bourului) with a star between its horns, encircled by the ruler's Cyrillic titulature. The reverse commonly displays a patriarchal cross or the Moldavian shield, often flanked by stars or crescents, reflecting a blend of religious and state iconography.

Technical/Grading: For this 1 Groshen type (MBR#762), critical grading points include the clarity and completeness of the aurochs head on the obverse, particularly the horns, eyes, and the central star. The Cyrillic legends on both sides must be legible, as weak strikes often obscure characters. On the reverse, the definition of the patriarchal cross and any flanking symbols (stars, crescents) is paramount. Due to the hammer-striking process, a well-centered planchet with full detail on both faces is a rarity and commands a significant premium, as off-center strikes and partial details are common. The 1.12g silver flan should exhibit minimal porosity or damage.