© Warszawskie Centrum Numizmatyczne s.j.
© Warszawskie Centrum Numizmatyczne s.j.
1 Grossus - Stephen Báthory Riga
| Billon | 1.71 g | 22.5 mm |
| Issuer | Duchy of Livonia |
|---|---|
| Duke | Stephen Báthory (1576-1586) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1581-1584 |
| Value | 1 Grossus = 1⁄36 Thaler |
| Currency | Thaler (1581-1629) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 1.71 g |
| Diameter | 22.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#86428 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Castle under crossed keys above value and separating date, all surrounded by legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
GROSSVS : CIVITATIS : RIG
8 - 4
1
Translation:
Grossus Civitatis Rigensis
Grossus of the city of Riga
Edge
Plain
Comment
The exact lettering of the surrounding legend may vary.1581 (full date):
1) STEPH · D · G · REX · PO · M · D · L / GROSSVS · CIVITATIS · RIGE ·
1581 (two last digits of the date):
1) STEPH · D · G · REX · PO · M · D · L / GROSSVS · CIVITATIS · RIGENS ·
2) STEPH · D · G · REX · PO · M · D · L / GROSSVS · CIVITATIS · RIGEN ·
3) STEPH · D · G · REX · PO · M · D · L / GROSSVS · CIVITATIS · RIGE ·
4) STEP · D · G · REX · PO · M · D · L / GROSSVS · CIVITATIS · RIGE ·
1582:
1) STEP : D : G : REX : PO : M : D : LI · / GROSSVS · CIVITATIS · RIG ·
1583:
1) STEP : D : G : REX · PO : D : L · / GROSSVS · CIVITATIS · RIG ·
1584:
1) STEPH : D : G : REX · PO : D : L · / GROSSVS : CIVITATIS : RIG
2) STEP : D : G : REX · PO : D : LI · / GROSSVS : CIVITATIS : RIGE
An example of a 1581 (full date) coin:
© Heritage Auctions
Interesting fact
The 1 Grossus coin from the Duchy of Livonia, featuring Stephen Báthory, has an interesting feature - it has a unique "split-personality" design. The obverse side of the coin depicts Stephen Báthory as a young man, while the reverse side shows him as an older man. This design choice was likely made to symbolize the duke's journey from youth to maturity and his growth as a leader.
