97Т. Gros Coin, Stefan the Great, Moldova, Type II, 1457-1504, Silver
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97Т. Gros Coin, Stefan the Great, Moldova, Type II, 1457-1504, Silver
Starting price:
EUR 200
Not sold
silver, d=14 mm
Obverse: + MONETAMOLDAVIE; Bisonte's head with star between horns, rosette and crescent moon on sides. Reverse: + STEFANVSVOIEVODA; Shield with a double cross, having anchored ends.
Saint Stephen the Great, canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church, was the ruler of Moldova for an extended period, leading between 1457 and 1504, for 47 years, which represents the longest reign of all the two Medieval Romanian Countries. The coins issued during his reign are gros and half gros, part of the Ottoman asper system, continuing the monetary reform started by Petru Aron (1455-1457).
The coins minted by Stephen the Great have a significant importance from a historical, economic, political, and cultural perspective. That's why they are so valuable in Romanian history:
1. Affirmation of Moldova's independence
In an era when many states around Moldova were vassals or under foreign influence, issuing own currency was a symbol of sovereignty. By minting currency, Stephen the Great showed that Moldova is an independent state with full authority.
2. Consolidation of the internal economy:
Coins minted during his reign facilitated: internal and external trade exchanges, payment of soldiers and officers, collection of taxes and duties. Thus, the coin was a tool of economic stability in a period marked by wars and crises.
3. Political propaganda and image
Stephen the Great's coins carried the coat of arms of Moldova (Bison's head) and sometimes the name of the ruler. It was a form of visual communication that conveyed: Stephen's authority, the legitimacy of his power, the citizens' belonging to an organized and powerful state.
4. Documentary and archaeological value
Today, the coins minted by Stephen the Great are primary sources for historians: they show us the technological level of the time, provide information about commercial relations, show artistic and cultural influences.
5. Influence in the region
Through the circulation of Moldovan coins abroad, Moldova became an active economic actor in the region. Moldovan currency was accepted and used also in Wallachia, Poland or Transylvania, reflecting the prestige of Stephen's reign.
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