3 Groats - Sigismund II Augustus Monogram, with shield reverse
| Silver (.875) | 3.0 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Grand Duchy of Lithuania |
|---|---|
| Grand duke | Sigismund II Augustus (1548-1572) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1562-1564 |
| Value | 3 Groats |
| Currency | Lithuanian Groat (1495-1580) |
| Composition | Silver (.875) |
| Weight | 3.0 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#352181 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Crowned Lithuanian knight at shield with brandishing sword and shield, on horseback charging left. Below the value (III)
Script: Latin
Lettering: + GROSS ⋆ AR ⋆TRIP ⋆ MAG ⋆DVCA ⋆ LI ⋆ III
Unabridged legend: Grossi argenti triplex magnus ducatus Lituaniae
Translation: Silver three groats of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
Comment
Correspondence of dates with catalog references:
1562 - Iger V.62.3, Kopicki 3305, Gumowski 621
1563 - Iger V.63.1, Kopicki 3306, Gumowski 622
1564 - Iger V.64.1, Kopicki 3307, Gumowski 622
Variants identified by Iger :
Iger V.62.3.a Obverse legend ends with L / reverse legend ends with L
Iger V.62.3.b Obverse L / reverse LI
Pictures: WCN
Iger V.62.3.c Obverse LI / reverse L
Iger V.62.3.d Obverse LI / reverse LI
Iger V.63.1.a // Kopicki 3306 - Knight on shield
Iger V.63.1.b
Iger V.63.1.c
Iger V.63.1.d
Iger V.63.1.e
Iger V.63.1.f
Iger V.63.1.g
Iger V.63.1.h
Iger V.63.1.i
Iger V.63.1.j
Iger V.63.1.k
Iger V.63.1.l
Iger V.63.1.m
Iger V.63.1.n
Iger V.63.1.o
Iger V.63.1.p
Iger V.63.1.r
Iger V.63.1.s
Iger V.63.1.t
Iger V.63.1.u
Iger V.63.1.v
Iger V.63.1.w
Iger V.64.1.a Obverse legend ends with M D L, reverse legend ends with L
Iger V.64.1.b Obverse M D L / reverse LI
Iger V.64.1.c Obverse M D LI / reverse L
Iger V.64.1.d Obverse M D LI / reverse LI
Iger V.64.1.e Obverse M DVX L / reverse L
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 3 Groats coin featuring Sigismund II Augustus is that it was minted during a time of great change and upheaval in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Sigismund II Augustus was the last king of Poland and the Grand Duke of Lithuania, and his reign saw the union of the two countries under a single ruler. This coin was minted during a period of religious and political turmoil, as the Protestant Reformation was gaining traction in the region and the Catholic Church was facing challenges to its authority. Despite these challenges, the coin remains a testament to the enduring power and influence of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania during this time.
