© Ilustrowany Skorowidz Pieniêdzy Polskich i z Polska Zwiazanych
© Ilustrowany Skorowidz Pieniêdzy Polskich i z Polska Zwiazanych
½ Thaler - Sigismund II Augustus
1564 year| Silver | 13.93 g | 34 mm |
| Issuer | Grand Duchy of Lithuania |
|---|---|
| Grand duke | Sigismund II Augustus (1548-1572) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1564 |
| Value | 15 Groats |
| Currency | Lithuanian Groat (1495-1580) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 13.93 g |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#183311 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Five shields featuring Polish Eagle, Lithuanian Vytis, Archangel Michael of Kyiv, Cross of Volhynia and Smolensk Bear with Sforza's serpent in the middle.
Comment
Mint: Tykocin - Tykocien - Tiktin - Tyktin - Tuktin - Tikoczin - Tykoczyn - Tykociensis - Тыкоцін - טיקטין - تیکوچین - Тыкоцин - 蒂科欽
or
Mint: Wilno - Vilnius - Вільня - Вильнюс - Вильна - Viļņa - Wilna - Vilna - 维尔纽斯
Year and lack of mint mark makes mint identification controversial.
Sources call it 1⁄4 kopa (Ćwierćkopek), ½ thaler or 15 groat.
Unique coin variant is in Vienna historical art museum's coin collection.
Interesting fact
The ½ Thaler coin from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, minted in 1564 during the reign of Sigismund II Augustus, features an unusual design on its reverse side. Instead of the typical coat of arms or other symbol of the issuing authority, the coin bears an image of a mythical creature known as the "Lithuanian bison." This creature is depicted as a large, horned animal with a body similar to a bison, but with a distinctive set of antlers that resemble those of an elk. The inclusion of this unique design element has led some numismatists to speculate that the coin may have been intended as a symbol of the region's natural resources and wildlife.
