Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Sigismund I, Half Groat - 1509 CE - Eastern Europe - 10/19/23 Auction

Includes glass top display box. This half groat coin is made of billon, an approximately 30% silver alloy, and depicts a knight on horseback on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. The lettering is in Latin and reads as follows: Obverse: MONETA:SIGISMVNDI:1514 (Coinage of Sigismund) Reverse: MAGNI:DVCIS:LITVANIE (Grand Duchy of Lithuania) Sigismund I the Old, a member of the Jagiellonian dynasty, ruled as King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1506 until his passing in 1548. His reign began at the age of 39 when he succeeded his brother, Alexander, to both titles. Sigismund was a capable monarch known for his patronage of the arts and his contributions to Polish culture and diplomacy. He expanded Polish rule to include Ducal Prussia and the Duchy of Mazovia, ensuring political dependence from his nephew Albert, Duke of Prussia. Sigismund also achieved notable military victories against Moldavia and Muscovy, strengthening Poland's eastern borders. His reign witnessed the fl