Gyllen, Stockholm, Sten Sture d.y., 1512

This very special coin was minted in Stockholm during the governorship of Sten Sture the Younger (1512–1520).

What makes the coin so special is the fact that it is what is known as a “thick coin”, which is clearly evident if you look at the coin from the side or hold it in your hand. The coin was struck using the dies for a regular örtug, but it weighs a lot more. This particular coin weighs about 34.5g! Compare this to a typical örtug dating back to the time of Sten Sture, which weighed around 1.4g. No one explanation for the emergence of this type of coin has ever been established.

Image rights: Helena Bonnevier, Ekonomiska museet - Kungliga myntkabinettet/SHM (CC BY 4.0)

Object number: 104503_KMK

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