A distinctive variety of the crown thaler of Władysław IV Vasa, with pellets placed at the beginning and end of the obverse legend. The variety is classified by Dostych under number 35.2.10 and assigned a rarity rating of R6.
The thaler was struck at the Bydgoszcz mint, the most important centre for the production of large silver coins in the Polish Crown during the first half of the 17th century. This issue dates from the early years of Władysław IV’s reign, shortly after the conclusion of the Smolensk War against the Tsardom of Russia.
The initials I–I flanking the coat of arms on the reverse refer to Jakub Jacobson van Emden, a minting entrepreneur of Dutch origin and the long-serving manager of the Bydgoszcz mint. He was not an assayer, but the official responsible for managing the mint’s operations.
Unnatural look due to improper cleaning.
A decent specimen.
An interesting and rare variety of the Bydgoszcz thaler of Władysław IV Vasa.
Obverse: half-figure of the king holding a sword and the orb of rule, to the right, below the coat of arms of Sas, treasurer Jan Daniłowicz
VLADIS IIII DG REX POL - MD LIT RVS PRVS MA
Reverse: crowned, nine-field coat of arms shield surrounded by a chain with the Order of the Golden Fleece, on the sides the initials II, guard of Jakub Jacobson
SAM LIV NE NO SVE - GOT VAND Q HR REX
Diameter 44 mm, weight 28.68 g
