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1 1/2 riksdaler, Stockholm, Kristina, 1649

The 1½ riksdaler coin was minted only twice in Sweden. The first was struck by Queen Kristina in 1649 and the second in 1727 by King Fredrik I. Kristina’s 1½ riksdaler was struck using more or less the same dies as the 2 riksdaler and the 5 ducat coins from the same year. This means that the different coins have almost the same motif.

On the coin in the display case, we see Queen Kristina with her hair up and a laurel wreath, which symbolises learning. Of her attire, we see what is known as scale armour, a breastplate with snake scales, and a lion’s head at the shoulder, all elegantly draped with a cloak. On the reverse (back), we can see Kristina’s motto in Latin: “COLUMNA REGNI SAPIENTIA” – wisdom is the pillar of government.

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

Object number: 111436_KMK

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