The first year of issue for the Gdańsk thalers of John II Casimir.
Struck in 1649, the year of the king’s coronation, this coin marks the beginning of the series of Gdańsk thalers issued during his reign.
A variety featuring the Type III bust, with the king depicted wearing a cap beneath his crown and an elaborately ornamented robe decorated with floral motifs. On the reverse, the oval shield bearing the coat of arms of Gdańsk is supported by lions with single tails.
A very rare reverse variant distinguished by a fully visible wreath and a four-leaf sprig above the shield. Beneath the lions’ paws are the initials G–R of Gerhard Rogge, leaseholder and manager of the Gdańsk mint from 1639 to 1656.
Removed from jewelry.
A very rare variant of the first-year Gdańsk thaler of John II Casimir.
Obverse: bust of the king in armor decorated with plant motifs, facing right
IOAN CASIM DG REX POL ET SUEC MDL RUS PR
Reverse: two lions with double tails supporting the city shield, above the shield a laurel wreath with two palm leaves, inside a five-leaf branch, on the lions' paws the initials GR Gerhardt Rogge
ARGENTEA CIVITATIS GEDANENSIS COIN
Diameter 44 mm, weight 28.03 g
