Obverse

Person holding sword and four-sectioned shield surrounded by legend

Legend
English
MONE · NOVA · MAGRI : LIVON - I :
Moneta Nova Magistri Livoniae New coin of the Master of Livonia

Reverse

Crowned person holding child to the right, all surrounded by legend

Legend
English
MARIA ! SERVA · POPVLV · TVV · Z5
Maria Serva Populum Tuum Marie, save your people

Edge

Type Plain

Issues

  • 1525 Wenden

    (15)Z5: Unique

Physical

Metal
Gold .986
Weight
41.96 g
Diameter
39 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered

Details

Value
12 Dukat
= 9.6 Goldgulden
= 108 Mark
= 432 Ferding
= 3,888 Schilling
Type
Circulation
Ruler
Walter of Plettenberg (1494–1535)
Demonetized
Yes

Notes

Depending on the source, this coin is listed as being minted at Riga or at Wenden. Because the mint's name is not mentioned in the legend, Wenden is the most likely mint, although more evidence would be needed to say for sure. Three varieties exist in regards to the marks that appear around the person on the obverse: 1) Without any marks. 2) With one mark (rosette to the right). 3) With two marks (rosette to the right and cross to the left). The original coins, struck in 1525, did not have any marks. Only one example is known, which is in the Münzkabinett Berlin. Based on the weight of that piece, it has a value of 12 Dukat, and the dies for this piece were also used to strike the 1 Thaler piece of the same date. The coins with one mark were struck in 1528, when Wolfgang Nothafft took office. The dies from the original piece were reused to make these pieces, with the only difference being the addition of the rosette. And finally, the coins with two marks were struck in 1535, when Gerd Schriver took office. Like before, he reused the dies from the previous pieces, with the only difference being the addition of a cross