Watch List notes:

Sweden, Gustav Vasa SM 175 16 öre/2 mark 1543 19.67 g. Svartsjö. Insignificant scratches, else an appealing example with dark patina. R. Ex Ahlström auction 67, lot 121. Ex Myntgalleriet auction 2, lot 113. Ex Hirsch auction 19, lot 6. SMB 51. App 704. This issue of 2 mark coinage of 1543 is interesting from several viewpoints. Firstly it is the first occurrence of a 2 mark denomination in Sweden, which was equivalent to 16 öre as indicated on the lower obverse of the coin. Secondly, the fact that a denomination is spelt out on the coin itself is also a first occurrence in Swedish coinage. Possibly this could be related to the so called Dacke War (Dackefejden) 1542-43, see further under subsequent lot for a 15 öre klippe. The klippe coinage that was struck the same date also bear a denomination. It is possible that the King wanted the denomination visible on the coinage for payment of foreign mercenary soldiers. It is possible that the King was hoping to get a discount on the salary payment. E.g. it is well documented that some of 1543 dated 2 mark coinage is underweight, and maybe the soliders would accept the designated denomination as opposed to checking the weight. Another option is that the weight is accurate, but the coinage being debased from the published purity. We hope that future analysis and research can explore this! Thirdly, this 2 mark design has been the influence of several subsequent issues throughout Swedish coinage. The obverse square with text can also be found on the 2 marks of Erik XIV, albeit then on the reverse. Furthermore the 2 marks of Johan III's reign show a similar design and Duke Karl's 2 marks of Nyköping 1587 has a similar square with writing. The coinage of ½ and ¼ riksdaler weight distributed to the funeral of Gustavus Adolphus in 1634 also shares the same stylistic elements. In modern times we can see this design feature on the commermorative 2 kronor 1932 and 5 kronor 1966. 1+