Riga 1565 1/2 mark
This specimen was lot 1849 in Jean Elsen sale 149 (Brussels, December 2021), where it sold for €420 (about US$569 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"LIVONIE, RIGA, Période d'indépendance (1562-1581), AR 1/2 Mark, 1565. D/ Un lion dans une porte de ville fortifiée tenue par deux lions. Au-dessus, clés en pal. R/ Ecu de la ville dans un cartouche orné. Patine foncée. Très Beau. (Livonia, city of Riga, period of independence, 1562-81, silver half mark of 1565. Obverse: a lion in a fortified gate supported by two lions, crossed keys below; reverse: arms of the city in an ornate cartouche. Nice patina, Very Fine.)"
Riga, a Hanseatic town, vigorously attempted to remain independent but fell under the control of the local bishop. Clerical rule ended with the coming of the Reformation and Riga was briefly independent before being incorporated in 1582 into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and, by extension, the kingdom of Poland. Riga was taken by the Swedes in 1629 and by the Russians in 1721. Riga is today the capital of Latvia. We're not sure what this exchanged for but it weighs about one-fifth of a thaler.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 5,75 g.
Catalog reference: Kopicki 8053; Haljak 878a.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 149: Monnaies, Médailles et Décorations, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2021.
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