Szóstak koronny / 6 Groszy miedzianych - Stanisław August Poniatowski

Historical Context: The Szóstak koronny of 1794-1795 represents a final monetary issue of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth under Stanisław August Poniatowski. Minted during the Kościuszko Uprising and on the eve of the Third Partition, this billon coin reflects the nation's dire financial straits. The "6 Groszy miedzianych" denomination, despite silver content, underscores severe currency debasement, a desperate measure to fund national defense amidst political collapse. It marks a poignant final chapter in the Commonwealth's numismatic history.

Artistry: The design typically features a laureate or draped bust of King Stanisław August Poniatowski on the obverse, rendered in late Baroque to early Neoclassical style. Engravers like Jan Filip Holzhaeusser were prominent. The reverse usually displays the crowned Polish-Lithuanian arms, combining the Polish Eagle and Lithuanian Vytis (Pogoń), encircled by denomination and date. The aesthetic aimed for classical dignity, though execution on billon often presented challenges.

Technical/Grading: Struck on an 18mm planchet with .219 silver billon, these coins frequently exhibit inherent strike weaknesses. Key high-points for grading include the king's hair, ear, and laurel wreath on the obverse. On the reverse, the crowns atop the armorial shields and details of the eagle's feathers and Vytis's horse are crucial. Due to high copper content, planchet quality varies, and examples often show environmental damage like corrosion, impacting surface preservation.