Catalog
| Issuer | Reval, City of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1561-1562 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Schilling (1⁄48) |
| Currency | Mark (1561-1710) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 0.98 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Thickness | 0.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Ahlström#23, Haljak II#1164, Fed#191 |
| Obverse description | Crowned monogram of Eric XIV separating date and surrounded by legend. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
ERIC · D · G · REX · SW · 6 E 1 (Translation: Eric (XIV) Dei Gratia Rex Sveciae Eric (XIV), with God`s grace, King of Sweden) |
| Reverse description | Cross and crown in shield surrounded by legend. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
MO · NOVA · REVAL · (Translation: Moneta Nova Revaliensis New coin of Reval) |
| Edge | Smooth. |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1561) - - 1561 - (15)61 - 1562 - (15)6Z - |
| Numisquare ID | 1109723010 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1 Schilling, issued by the City of Reval (modern Tallinn) between 1561 and 1562, marks a pivotal moment. In 1561, Reval placed itself under Swedish protection, specifically King Eric XIV (reigned 1560-1568), amidst the escalating Livonian War. This coinage reflects Reval's new allegiance and integration into the Swedish sphere, yet retains the city's right to mint currency, signifying a degree of autonomy during this turbulent era.
Artistry: The Schilling's design, depicting Eric XIV Type 1 with a crown, likely originated from a local Reval engraver, adhering to Northern Renaissance stylistic conventions. While inspired by Swedish royal prototypes, the execution possesses a distinct local character. The obverse features a crowned bust of Eric XIV, typically facing right, encircled by his titulature. The reverse displays the city's coat of arms—three lions passant guardant—with the date and denomination, reflecting Reval's municipal identity.
Technical/Grading: Struck in billon (0.98 grams, 18 mm), this coin is typical fractional coinage. High-points for wear and strike quality include Eric XIV's crown, facial features, and the lions on the reverse shield. Given the billon composition and era's minting technology, examples often exhibit variable strike quality, including minor flan irregularities, weak peripheral strikes, and die wear, which are characteristic rather than defects for this type.