© Sincona AG
© Sincona AG
½ Mark - Heinrich von Galen and Wilhelm von Brandenburg Riga; detached crosses
| Silver (.578) | 5.31 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | Livonia and Riga (Livonian Confederation) |
|---|---|
| Master | Henry of Galen (Heinrich von Galen) (1551-1557) |
| Archbishop | Wilhelm von Brandenburg (1539-1563) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1553-1555 |
| Value | ½ Mark = 18 Schilling |
| Currency | Schilling (1500-1561) |
| Composition | Silver (.578) |
| Weight | 5.31 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#140208 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Four-sectioned shield surrounded by legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering: WILHELM · D · G · ARC · E · RIGENS · MAR · D · BR ·
Translation:
Wilhelm Dei Gratia Archi Episcopus Rigensis Marchio De Brandenburgensis
Wilhelm, with God's grace, Arch-bishop of Riga and Margrave of Brandenburg
Edge
Plain
Comment
This coin was minted as a joint coinage between the Livonian Order and the Archbishopric of Riga.The exact waviness of the reverse shield's outline may vary, and the exact lettering of the surrounding legend may vary.
1553:
1) WILHELM · D · G · ARC · E · RIGENSIS · MAR · D · BR · / HINRICVS · DE · GALEN · D · O · M · LIVONI
2) WILHELM · D · G · ARC · E · RIGENSIS · MAR · B · / HINRICVS · DE · GALEN · D · O · M · LIVONIE
3) WILHELM · D · G · ARC · E · RIGENS · MAR · D · BR · / HINRICVS · DE · GALE · D · O · M · LIVON
4) WILHELM · D · G · ARC · E · RIGENS · MAR · D · B · / HINRICVS · DE · GALE · D · O · M · LIVONIE
1555:
1) WILHELM · D · G · ARC · E · RIGENSIS · MA · BR · / HINRICVS · DE · GALE · D · O · M · LIVONIE
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features two different rulers, Heinrich von Galen and Wilhelm von Brandenburg, on opposite sides of the coin. This is a unique feature, as most coins of that time period typically featured only one ruler or a single image. The fact that this coin has two rulers suggests that it may have been a commemorative coin, issued to celebrate a specific event or occasion. Additionally, the coin's design, with detached crosses, may also hold some historical or symbolic significance.
