1 Öre - Johan, Duke of Östergötland Vadstena mint, with value

Historical Context: This 1 Öre coin, issued from the Vadstena mint between 1611 and 1617, represents the coinage of Johan, Duke of Östergötland. Son of King John III and half-brother to the deposed Sigismund III Vasa, Duke Johan held a significant, albeit politically constrained, position within the Swedish Vasa dynasty. His ducal minting rights, solidified after 1611 under his cousin Gustavus Adolphus, underscore the semi-autonomous nature of Swedish duchies during a period of dynastic consolidation and the Kalmar War (1611-1613). These billon issues primarily served local economic needs within Östergötland, a vital province in central Sweden.

Artistry: The specific engraver for this 1 Öre type from Vadstena is not definitively recorded, a common occurrence for regional mints of the early 17th century. The stylistic school adheres to the prevailing late Renaissance aesthetic of Swedish coinage, characterized by strong heraldic emphasis. Designs typically feature the ducal monogram (often an 'I' or 'IJ'), a ducal crown, and the arms of Östergötland (a griffin), all rendered in a robust, somewhat simplified manner suitable for small-denomination billon issues. Legends, though often crude, would typically identify the duke and his territorial claim, with the denomination prominently displayed.

Technical/Grading: As a billon issue (.250 silver) struck on a relatively small (20.77 mm) and light (1.52 gg) flan, this 1 Öre type is frequently encountered with characteristic minting imperfections. Key high-points for grading include the clarity of the ducal crown's details, the definition of the griffin's head and claws, and the legibility of the "1 ÖRE" denomination. Due to the lower silver content and often hurried production, examples commonly exhibit weak strikes, particularly on the outer legends, irregular flan shapes, and surface corrosion. Sharpness of the central devices and full legends are premium attributes.