Riga 1581 groschen
This specimen was lot 1876 in Jean Elsen sale 165 (Brussels, June 2026), where it sold for €650 (about US$895 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"POLOGNE, Stéphane Bathory (1576-1586), AR Groschen, 1581, Riga. D/ B. couronné et cuir. à d. R/ Écus couronnés de Pologne et de Lituanie sous une rosette, posés sur les clés de Riga. Rare. Très Beau à Superbe. (kingdom of Poland, Stephen Bathory, 1576-86, silver groschen of 1581, Riga mint. Obverse: reverse: Rare, Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)"
In the sixteenth century, Lithuania comprised the northeast half of the kingdom of Poland, whose monarch ruled the two regions separately. Riga, the capital, was also a Hanseatic town and managed to maintain considerable autonomy. The reverse legend, "GROSSVS · CIVI · RIGENSIS", indicates that this is a municipal issue, not a royal issue, despite the presence of the king's bust. Numista lists this type for 1581 only.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.71 g, silver, 22.5 mm diameter, this specimen 1,72 g.
Catalog reference: Kopicki 8081.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 165, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2026.
Link to:
- Poland 1580 3 groschen, Olkusz mint
- Riga 1581 3 groschen
- Riga 1584 3 groschen, Stephan Bathori
- Riga 1584 ducat Fr-4
- Coins and currency dated 1581