8 Öre "Klippingar" - Erik XIV (Type I) 1562 front 8 Öre "Klippingar" - Erik XIV (Type I) 1562 back
8 Öre "Klippingar" - Erik XIV (Type I) 1562 photo
© Heritage Auctions

8 Öre "Klippingar" - Erik XIV Type I

1562 year
Billon (.375 silver) 12.4 g -
Description
Issuer
Sweden
King
Eric XIV (1560-1568)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
1562
Value
8 Öre (¼)
Currency
Daler (1534-1593)
Composition
Billon (.375 silver)
Weight
12.4 g
Size
30.6 mm
Shape
Square
Technique
Klippe
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-07
References
Numista
N#64230
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

Crowned shield with the Three Crowns of Sweden divides date at both sides.

Script: Latin

Lettering: .15 6Z.

Comment

Difference between type I and II are:
-value in type 1 is 8 ORE instead of 8 OR
- different shape of crowns
- different shape of shield

The Swedish crown's coffers were soon emptied after Erik XIV had acceeded the throne in 1560. The silver coins contained gradually less silver through the 1560s and coin production was not quick enough to pay the country's expenses. Square-cut coins, called 'Klippes' reduced production time considerably and large numbers of Klippe coins with denominations 16, 8, 4 and 2 ore were produced 1562-68.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the 8 Öre "Klippingar" coin from Sweden, minted during the reign of Erik XIV in 1562, is that it was made of Billon, an alloy of copper and silver, which was a common practice in coinage during that time period. The use of Billon in coinage was a way to stretch the limited supply of silver, while still maintaining the value of the coin. This coin, in particular, contains 37.5% silver and weighs 12.4 grams.