83. Gros Coin, Petru Mușat, Moldova, 1375-1391, silver, first coin minted by a voivode of Moldova

Thickly struck by Petru Muşat, ruler of Moldova between 1375 and 1392, the first Moldavian voivode who minted a coin. The Voivode was called Mușat or of Mușatei following the name of his mother, Mușata (also known under the Latin name Margareta), presumed to be the daughter of Bogdan the Founder. Her name gave birth to the powerful dynasty of Mușatinis, which dominated the throne of Moldova for a long period. It is considered that the shield on the reverse side of the coins represented the personal coat of arms of the ruling family. If this hypothesis is correct, it is important to mention that the coat of arms did not have a fixed form, the number of lilies in the secondary field varying significantly, without a clear heraldic justification. The number of lilies on Petru Mușat's coins varies between one and seven, the variability continuing even in the emissions of his successors. Petru Mușat had strong connections with Wallachia and Poland. He officially recognized the suzerainty of Poland and married a cousin or perhaps even a sister of the Polish King Vladislav Jagello. He assisted Mircea the Elder in concluding a treaty of alliance with Poland. During his reign, Moldova extended its borders to the Black Sea and ruled over the White Fortress.

Dimensions

custom d=19 mm

Description

silver

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