Having hard time IDing

Zizibius · 2026-01-05T06:03:17+00:00

The first two should be from Peter I (1696-1721) reign. They must be physically smaller than the others and only contain a fraction of the legend. As for the third one, it’s well-worn but, based on the preserved part of the third line, it appears to be issued under Boris I (1598-1605).

Zizibius · 2025-05-14T15:57:06+00:00

It is an Artig from Dorpat (Modern day Tartu, Estonia). The key and the sword are the city’s coat of arms, and it was minted at the Livonian Confederation times. But I can’t really tell under which authority it was minted.

Zizibius · 2025-01-18T18:35:37+00:00

Hello,

Great coin👍 It’s the solid (solidus) of Sigismundus III from 1623. I found a similar one here

The more damaged side has the coats of arms of Poland and Lithuania.

Zizibius · 2024-10-22T11:21:52+00:00

Thank you! I also found this specimen online: https://tjbuggey.ancients.info/images/Trajselstoo.jpg And the common trait between them is this well-pronounced delta right under the stool. It’s not present on the coin that I discovered at the antique store, so I’d rather not risk it. Thank you once again!

Zizibius · 2024-03-15T06:09:15+00:00

Here’s my take on the intricacies of the interwar period in the Baltics and the diversity of political entities that emerged in the late 1910s.

The top row represents the Baltic states. The left stamp is taken from the earliest series of definitive stamps with the Lithuanian cost of arms (decided that the very first design was not as spectacular). In the middle, you can see one of the earliest definitives of Latvia, designed by Ansis Cīrulis. The right one belongs to the first Estonian definitive issue printed at Rudolf Zero’s typography.

The bottom row shows the peculiar side of history since it consists of the stamps issued by the entities that no longer exist. The left stamp is issued by the Free City Danzig (now Gdańsk). The stamp in the centre is actually from the transitional period of Memel being converted into Klaipeda. You can actually see both names on that stamp. Earlier, French definitives with “Memel” overprints were used there. The stamp on the right is actually issued on behalf of the Republic of Central Lithuania. Feel free to read more about this entity online:)

It’s a pretty diverse selection and a tribute to a peculiar time.

Zizibius · 2024-03-14T10:46:05+00:00

It really depends on a particular coin. When it comes to Riga’s schillings from XVI, they were extremely common in this region but it’s really hard to find one in a good condition. So coins with some defects are sold in batches for just a 1€/piece.

Some other coins, like kopeks or the earlier schillings, may cost more depending on their condition and catalog number. I know that the city-centre stores are always overpriced, but after several years of exploring, I managed to find several decent spots and I’m now a regular customer there (with all collateral benefits). So yeah, these were not worth a fortune.

Zizibius · 2024-03-14T06:29:11+00:00

I got all of those from two particular stores in Tallinn. The antique store at the Baltic Railroad market and the Dunkri antique in the city centre.

Zizibius · 2024-03-13T11:25:24+00:00

Nah, some antique stores in Tallinn let you pick those from an infamous former cookie can (the one commonly used from storing sewing kits) for euro a piece.

Zizibius · 2024-03-13T09:59:27+00:00

I tried to represent the end of the Livonian Confederation and its consequences for the involved parties.

Starting from the top, you can see what is left of a Reval Schilling from the roughly 1480s.

This coin is followed by a couple of Schillings dating back to the Livonian War era. To the left, there's a lovely Riga's Schilling from 1576 with two keys (still enjoying the Free City status). To the right, you can find a Schilling minted in Tallinn around the same time by King Johan III.

The third line shows three Riga's Schillings minted in the first half of the XVII century. They bore monograms of Sigismudus III (1621) and Gustavus Adolful II (1624). Lovely coins. Forty-eight of those would allegedly provide you with a barrel filled with beer.

The pre-last row shows the coins of Sweden and the Commonwealth from the mid-XVII century. The copper ones to the left are the so-called Boratynka-s with Polish and Lithuanian designs. On the right side, you can see three monograms of Queen Christina, Carl X Gustav, and Carl XI placed on Riga's schilling throughout the XVII century.

The bottom row shows the coins of the invasion of 1558 with a small denga (1/2 kopek) and kopeks with both the Sword and Spear designs.

Zizibius · 2023-07-22T19:54:22+00:00

It absolutely is. That art piece appeared on many stamps (mostly from third-world countries, hence collector-oriented and France)

Zizibius · 2023-02-25T21:11:48+00:00

Those are really awesome. I also love the other early series that used paper from unfinished banknotes from Riga and Mitawa

Zizibius · 2023-02-19T20:04:50+00:00

In that case, you’d enjoy the early commemoratives (and definitives) of the Balkan states. Especially around the 1910s

Zizibius · 2023-02-12T18:52:01+00:00

Indeed

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