© Warszawskie Centrum Numizmatyczne s.j.
© Warszawskie Centrum Numizmatyczne s.j.
½ Groat - Sigismund II Augustus 1st eagle
| Billon (.375 silver) | 1.25 g |
| Issuer | Grand Duchy of Lithuania |
|---|---|
| Grand duke | Sigismund II Augustus (1548-1572) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1545-1546 |
| Value | ½ Groat |
| Currency | Lithuanian Groat (1495-1580) |
| Composition | Billon (.375 silver) |
| Weight | 1.25 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#330675 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 91% |
Reverse
Armed Lithuanian knight on horseback facing left, within inner circle
Script: Latin
Lettering: MONETA ⋆ MAGNI ⋆ DVCAT9 ⋆LITV
Unabridged legend: Moneta magni ducatus Lithuaniae
Translation: Coinage of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
Comment
Alternative names: półgrosz, pusgrašis
The earliest type of Sigismund Augustus halfgroat can be differentiated from the later types by (a) the more compact eagle with fuller ("fluffier") feathers obverse, and (b) the knight being larger in proportion to the horse reverse. The later design has a more stylized eagle and re-designed knight and horse.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Groat coin from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania is that it features the first eagle emblem used in the coat of arms of Lithuania, which was introduced by Sigismund II Augustus in the 16th century. This eagle symbol has been a prominent part of Lithuania's national identity ever since and is still used on various national symbols and documents today.
