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Riga, Shilling 1578-1580, hopea

These schillings were struck by a machine called the "Walzwerk", which was like two large rolling pins.

Because of the way these coins were struck, these coins do not have a variable alignment. With the exception of 1576, which seems to be exclusively struck in coin alignment, all other years were struck in medal alignment. The only year that is seemingly found in both alignments is 1577: the regular ones seem to be more often found in coin alignment, whereas the ones with inverted dates seem to be near equal.

Many different varieties in the designs exist, including different castle shapes, different key rings, different crosses above the keys, different symbols separating the legends, and different heights of the dates' placements. If there is a design element, there is probably some sort of variety to it.

Composition Billon (.094 silver)

Weight 0.95 g

Diameter 18 mm

Thickness 0.5 mm

Obverse

Castle surrounded by legend.

Script: Latin

Lettering: CIVITATIS · RIGENSIS

Translation: City of Riga

Reverse

Crossed keys under cross separating date and surrounded by legend.

Riika, Skilling, hopea