Sweden (15)85 fyrk
This specimen was lot 11248 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice Online Auction (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2025), where it sold for €65 (about US$68). The catalog description[1] noted, "SWEDEN. Fyrk, 1585. Stockholm Mint. Johan III. NGC VF Details--Environmental Damage. From the L. E. Bruun Collection." Johan III was the second son of Gustaf Vasa and was Duke of Finland from 1556-1563 when he was imprisoned for opposing his brother, Eric XIV. After the demise of Erik, Johan III became King in 1568 and ruled until his death in 1592. This type was struck 1578-92 in substantial quantities but choice specimens are few. If this example ever had any silver, it has long since worn off. Four fyrk made an öre and 128 fyrk made a daler.
Recorded mintage: 1,322,368.
Specifications: 0.98 g, 0.105 fine silver, 18-19 mm diameter, this specimen 0.84 g.
Catalog reference: KM MB160.2; Delzanno-118; SM-122; Bruun-11613.
- Bjorne Ahlström, Yngve Almer and Bengt Hemmingson, Sveriges Mynt, 1521-1977, the Coinage of Sweden. Stockholm: Numismatika Bokforlaget AB, 1976.
- Delzanno, Roberto, Myntårsboken 2022, Sveriges Mynt 995-2021, 1:a upplagen, Stockholm, 2021.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2025 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancients, World Coins & World Paper Money, David B. Simpson Medals & World Coins Part 1, Selections from the Richard Margolis Collection, and Selections from the L. E. Bruun Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2025.
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