FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board
Numismatic and History Discussion Forums => Medieval, Islamic and Crusader Coins Discussion Forum => Topic started by: calkinsc on December 24, 2013, 11:31:30 am
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Hello All!
I've become interested in the schillings of the Riga (Latvia) Free City period, 1563-80, but have found little information on them. I do have Fyodorov's Baltic Coins of the XIII-XVIII Centuries, and while it lists the major varieties, there are MANY differences in legends, symbols and other features which are not described. I'm very curious as to how these came about, and overall minting practices at the time (Riga switched from hand-striking to the Walzwerk in 1575).
For instance, how did this coin http://coins.calkinsc.com/images/riga_schilling_156364.jpg (http://coins.calkinsc.com/images/riga_schilling_156364.jpg), dated both 1564 and 1563, come about? Or, what is the significance of symbols such as the star, fleur, circle and quad-rosette as on this one http://coins.calkinsc.com/images/riga_1575_schilling.jpg (http://coins.calkinsc.com/images/riga_1575_schilling.jpg) ? I've heard the suggestion that, with respect to Polish coins, symbols such as those may represent the mint masters, but is that true here? (Some symbols seem to be used only certain years, BTW) Or, how can radical legend differences be explained, such as on this one, http://coins.calkinsc.com/images/riga_schilling_1566.jpg (http://coins.calkinsc.com/images/riga_schilling_1566.jpg), which has a reverse-style legend also on the obverse? Was, say, quality control just that poor?
Any thoughts would be most appreciated, or pointers to references. I've even tried to email the numismatics department of the history museum in Riga, but haven't received a response. I did see a reference which implied that the museum has been temporarily closed due to fire, however.
Thanks, and Merry Christmas!
C.