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Szeląg koronny - Sigismund III Vasa Kraków mint
| Issuer | Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth |
|---|---|
| Year | 1601-1623 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse bears a four-line Latin inscription filling the entire field, reading SOLID / REGNI / POLON / followed by the date split across the lower portion with a mintmaster's anchor mark between the date numerals. The lettering is executed in a bold Gothic-influenced Roman style characteristic of early seventeenth-century Polish hammered coinage. The inscription is an abbreviation of SOLIDUS REGNI POLONIAE, identifying the denomination and issuing kingdom. Small pellet or star ornaments appear in the lower field flanking the mint mark. |
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| Reverse lettering | SOLID. REGNI. POLON. 16 ZZ |
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| Additional information |
The szeląg was the smallest silver denomination in the Commonwealth's monetary hierarchy, and Sigismund III's long reign generated an enormous variety of die combinations at Kraków — the Kopicki references alone span a wide typological range across these years. Production was chronically troubled: the crown mints struggled to maintain consistent silver fineness, and periodic debasements prompted the Sejm to legislate minimum standards that were quietly ignored at the minting bench. Foreign imitations, particularly from Riga and various Baltic operations, flooded Polish markets throughout this period and are frequently mistaken for crown issues.