Stefan Batory died in December 1586 at Grodno, making this the final year of his coinage. The Wilno mint operated under a lease system throughout his reign — the right to strike was farmed out to private contractors, which introduced inconsistency in flan preparation and explains the irregular planchet edges frequently observed on this type. Batory had fought hard to restore royal control over mint revenues after decades of noble interference, yet the lease arrangement was a political compromise he never fully resolved.
Kop. 3392 distinguishes this emission from the Gdańsk and Poznań ducats by mint mark alone.
Stefan Batory died in December 1586 at Grodno, making this the final year of his coinage. The Wilno mint operated under a lease system throughout his reign — the right to strike was farmed out to private contractors, which introduced inconsistency in flan preparation and explains the irregular planchet edges frequently observed on this type. Batory had fought hard to restore royal control over mint revenues after decades of noble interference, yet the lease arrangement was a political compromise he never fully resolved.
Kop. 3392 distinguishes this emission from the Gdańsk and Poznań ducats by mint mark alone.