Catalog
| Issuer | Reval, City of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1597 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 4 Pfennigs (1⁄48) |
| Currency | Mark (1561-1710) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 0.90 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Haljak II#1237, Fed#226, SS#6260 |
| Obverse description | Vasa arms in shield on crowned monogram of Sigismund, all separating the date and surrounded by legend. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
SIGIS · D · G · SVE · & · POL · REX 9 S 7 (Translation: Sigismund Dei Gratia Sveciae et Polonia Rex Sigismund, with God`s grace, King of Sweden and Poland) |
| Reverse description | Three stacked lions in crowned shield separating the value and surrounded by legend. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
MONETA · NOVA · CIVI · REVAL · 4 - P (Translation: Moneta Nova Civitatis Revaliensis New coin of the city of Reval) |
| Edge | Smooth. |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1597 - (15)97 - |
| Numisquare ID | 7358122770 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 4 Pfennig coin from 1597 was issued by the City of Reval (modern Tallinn) during the reign of Sigismund III Vasa, King of Poland-Lithuania and Sweden. The late 16th century was a turbulent period in the Baltic region, marked by the Livonian Wars and struggles for hegemony. Reval, a vital Hanseatic port, maintained autonomy while acknowledging Swedish suzerainty under Sigismund. The coin reflects the city's continued economic activity and its political alignment within a complex geopolitical landscape.
Artistry: The artistic execution of this billon 4 Pfennig piece adheres to the prevalent late Renaissance numismatic style. While a specific engraver is unrecorded, the design would have been crafted by a local die-cutter. The obverse typically features the monarch's name or a crowned monogram, signifying Sigismund III Vasa's authority. The reverse commonly displays the arms of the City of Reval, often a cross and two swords, surrounded by the city's legend and date, reflecting civic identity and imperial allegiance.
Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, a low-grade silver alloy, this 4 Pfennig coin typically exhibits the technical limitations of its period. High-points susceptible to wear include the monarch's crown or monogram elements on the obverse, and the central details of the Reval city arms on the reverse. Due to billon's nature and period minting techniques, examples often present with uneven strikes, minor planchet irregularities, and occasional off-centering. A well-struck specimen with clear legends and minimal wear is highly desirable.