11/2 Grossus - Sigismund III Vasa Riga
| Issuer | Duchy of Livonia |
|---|---|
| Year | 1616-1617 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1.5 Grossus = 1⁄24 Thaler |
| Currency | Thaler (1581-1629) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 1.11 g |
| Diameter | 17.7 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Kop#8171, Fed#703, KM#7 |
| Obverse description | Crowned four-sectioned shield surrounded by legend. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
SIG · III · DG · REX · POL · M · D · L · (Translation: Sigismund III Dei Gratia Rex Polonia Magnus Dux Livoniae Sigismund III Vasa, with God`s grace, King of Poland and great Duke of Livonia) |
| Reverse description | Cross on orb containing value, above crossed keys, and separating date, all surrounded by legend. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
GROS · ARGE - N · CIVI · RIG · 1 - 6 Z4 (Translation: Grossus Argentea Civitatis Rigensis Silver Grossus of the city of Riga) |
| Edge | Smooth. |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1616 - (16)16 - 1617 - (16)17 - |
| Numisquare ID | 2048980540 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This 1 1/2 Grossus coin, minted in Riga between 1616 and 1617, is a tangible artifact from the turbulent reign of Sigismund III Vasa. As King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, Sigismund also claimed the Swedish throne, leading to prolonged conflicts, particularly the Polish-Swedish War over Livonia. Riga, a vital Baltic port and a jewel in the Duchy of Livonia, was under Polish-Lithuanian suzerainty, yet maintained significant autonomy. The issuance of these billon coins underscores the economic necessities of the era, providing essential small denomination currency for local trade amidst a backdrop of geopolitical struggle and shifting allegiances in the strategically crucial Baltic region.
Artistry: The design of this 1 1/2 Grossus reflects the prevailing late Renaissance stylistic traditions, though often rendered with a more provincial character typical of regional mints like Riga. While specific engravers are rarely identified for such issues, the workmanship would have been that of a skilled artisan at the Riga mint. The obverse typically features a crowned bust of Sigismund III Vasa, often facing right, encircled by his royal titles. The reverse commonly displays a crowned shield bearing the arms of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (the Eagle of Poland and the Vytis of Lithuania), sometimes incorporating the Riga city keys, along with the date and denominational legends. The overall aesthetic balances royal authority with local identity.
Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, a base silver alloy, and measuring 1.11 grams with a diameter of 17.7 mm, this coin presents specific technical considerations for collectors. High points susceptible to wear include the crown and facial features of the king's bust on the obverse, and the crown atop the shield, along with intricate details of the eagle and Vytis on the reverse. Due to the billon composition and manual striking methods, planchet quality can be variable, often exhibiting minor irregularities, laminations, or an imperfectly round shape. Strikes are frequently off-center or show areas of weakness, particularly along the legends, making a fully sharp and well-centered example a premium rarity.