POLAND, Sigismund III ~ 1623 ~ 3 Groschen ~ Bust right ~ Arms, legend ~ Gum-1138, KM-31(?) ~ VF

1623 Poland ~ 3 Groschens ~ Silver Coin - Sigismund III Vasa – KM# 31 ~ VF

Item Description

• Issuer: Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
• King: Sigismund III Vasa (Zygmunt III Waza) (1587-1632)
• 3 Groschens (Trojak)
• Year: 1623
• Series minted 1618-1624
• Part of the First Zloty currency system (1573-1795)
• Material: Silver (.813 fineness)
• Weight: 1.88 g
• Thickness: 1mm
• Diameter: 20 mm
• Mint: Kraków, Poland
• References: N#22123, KM#31, Gum-1138, variation Iger K.23.1.a, Kop#1227
• Numista#: 22123

This coin is in VF condition

From the collection of W M Rosenblum

Obverse:

Crowned bust of Sigismund III facingright. Latin inscription: SIG.III.D.G.REX.POL.MDL

Reverse:

Inscription in three lines with value in Roman numerals (III). Polish eagle, Wasa arms, and Lithuanian Vytis dividing date. Sas arms below. Latin inscription: GROS.ARGE TRIP.REGN POLONI (Grossus argenteum triplex regni Poloniae)

Historical Context:

This dime-sized coin was minted during the reign of Sigismund III Vasa, a pivotal figure in Central European history. As King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1587 to 1632, Sigismund III presided over the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth at the height of its territorial extent and cultural influence. His reign marked a period of significant artistic and architectural development, known as the Polish Baroque. However, it was also a time of increasing tensions with Sweden and the Ottoman Empire, setting the stage for future conflicts that would shape the region's geopolitical landscape.