85. Gros Coin, Stephen the Great, Moldova, 1457-1504, Silver

Obverse: Ox head with star between horns, on the sides rosette and crescent, and the legend in Slavonic language "+ MONETAMOLDAVIE". Reverse: Shield with a double cross and anchored heads and the legend "+ STEFANVSVOIEVODA". Saint Stephen the Great, canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church, was the ruler of Moldova for an extended period, leading between 1457 and 1504, that is, for 47 years, which represents the longest reign among all the two medieval Romanian countries. The coins issued during his reign are gros and half gros, part of the Ottoman aspra system, which continues the monetary reform initiated by Petru Aron (1455-1457). These coins, made of high-grade silver, were of two types and, having a relatively small number, were used mainly for the payment of the military service of the boyars and mercenaries, being less used in commerce, where coins issued by stronger neighboring states were preferred.

Dimensions

custom d=16 mm

Description

silver

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