51. Gros Coin, Gabriel Bethlen, Principality of Transylvania, minted in Baia Mare, 1626, silver

Obverse legend: ·GAB·D:G·SA·RO·IM·ET·TRAN·PRIN· Obverse description: Central, Iberian shield surrounded by a decorative element with four volutes in the upper and lower corners. In the first quarter four fasces, in the second quarter a double cross supported by an open, fleuronated crown, arranged on a stone. In the middle of the shield, a heart shield of circular form in which is represented the blazon of the Bethlen family – two swans facing each other with an arrow piercing both their necks. On either side of the shield, the mint's initials N – B. The shield is surmounted by a modern, closed, crown that interrupts the legend at the top. Reverse legend: PAR·REG·HVN·DO·SICO·O[...]R·DVX·1626 Reverse description: Central, the crowned Madonna represented frontally, standing on a throne without a backrest, with the Child on her right arm. Both present halos and each hold a scepter in their hands, all within a circle with rays. The Madonna's head interrupts the legend at the top. Catalog reference: Romanian coins and banknotes (MBR), no. 1646. The coin is an exceptional piece that illustrates the assimilation of Renaissance and Baroque stylistic characteristics in Transylvanian monetary art, as well as the preservation of recognizable iconographic elements of the Polish mint, common in local circulation.

Dimensions

weight 2.18 g, custom d=24.65 mm

Description

silver

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