Danzig 1577 groschen
This specimen was lot 1265 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it sold for €260 (about US$360 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"POLOGNE, DANZIG, assiégée par l'armée de Stéphane Bathory, AR Groschen, 1577. D/ DEFENDE NOS CHRISTE B. du Christ à d., bénissant et ten. un gl. cr. R/ Armoiries de la ville accostées de la date. Rare. Flan poreux. Traces de corrosion. (Poland, Danzig, besieged by the army of Stephen Bathory, silver groschen of 1577. Obverse: bust of Christ to right, his hand raised in blessing and holding an orb; reverse: city arms dividing the date. Rare, porous flan, traces of corrosion, Fine - Very Fine.)"
Numerous varieties exist. Bathory invested the city when it refused to recognize his election to the throne of Poland. While he defeated the Danzig mercenary army, he was unable to take the city itself. He negotiated a settlement wherein he recognized the city's privileges in exchange for homage and an indemnity.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.8 g, 0.583 fine silver, 23 mm diameter, this specimen 0,73 g.
Catalog reference: D.& S. 104; Kopicki 7388.
- Korchnak, Lawrence C., Siege Coins of the World, 1453-1902, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, 2021.
- Nicol, N. Douglas, Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of German Coins, 1501-Present, 3rd ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2011.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 162: Collection Jacques Druart, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
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