1 öre kopparmynt, Avesta, Gustav III, 1772

This coin was sometimes referred to as a pojköre. It is bigger and thicker than other copper coins of this denomination dating back to the same year. The coins were struck at the Avesta mint in around 1780, but their purpose is unclear.

There is an anecdote about the origin and name of this particular coin:

A poor blacksmith’s apprentice is said to have made the coins so that he could earn money to buy bread. His crime was discovered and he was sentenced to death, but he was then pardoned by the king, Gustav III, who felt that his coinage was more beautiful than the originals. The boy was given a job at the Stockholm mint instead.

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

Object number: 116593_KMK

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