Szeląg gdański - Sigismund I the Old Gdańsk mint

Historical Context: The Szeląg gdański, issued between 1530 and 1549, hails from the reign of Sigismund I the Old, a pivotal period known as Poland's Golden Age. As Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland, Sigismund oversaw a realm experiencing significant cultural and economic growth. Gdańsk, a vital Hanseatic port city, held semi-autonomous minting rights, reflecting its immense economic power and strategic importance within the Kingdom. This denomination served as a crucial medium for regional commerce.

Artistry: While specific engravers for this series are largely unrecorded, the coin exemplifies the prevailing early Renaissance aesthetic blended with traditional heraldic motifs characteristic of Polish minting. The obverse typically features the crowned monogram of Sigismund I, or occasionally a simplified bust, encircled by the monarch's titulature. The reverse prominently displays the distinctive Gdańsk coat of arms—two crosses surmounted by a crown—a clear testament to the city's identity and minting authority.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver with a weight of 1.2 grams and a diameter of 19 millimeters, the Szeląg gdański exhibits typical early modern hammer-strike characteristics. High points susceptible to wear include the crown details on the obverse monogram and the intricate elements of the Gdańsk shield on the reverse. Collectors should anticipate variations in strike sharpness, potential planchet imperfections, and minor off-centering, all common for issues of this era and production method.