Livonia / Riga Swedish Occupation, Riga dreipölker (1/24 taler) 1644 NGC MS 64

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Certification details

Certification number: 8361354-015

Grade: MS 64

NGC collectible ID: 400628

Nominal value: 1/24T

Mint Mark: LIVONIA

Variety: RIGA - SWEDISH OCCUPATION

Year: 1644

The 1644 Livonia Riga Dreipölker: A Numismatic and Historical Treasure

Historical Context
In the mid-17th century, the Baltic region was a crucible of political and economic transformation. The Swedish Empire, under the reign of Queen Kristina (1632–1654), extended its influence over Livonia, encompassing parts of modern-day Latvia and Estonia. Riga, a vital Baltic port city, became a cornerstone of Swedish economic and administrative policy during this period of occupation. The issuance of coins, such as the 1644 Riga Dreipölker (1/24 Taler), was a strategic move to assert Swedish authority and integrate the local economy into the broader imperial framework.

The Coin: Design and Characteristics
The 1644 Riga Dreipölker, cataloged as SB# 50, is a silver coin struck during the Swedish occupation of Livonia. This coin, equivalent to 1/24 of a Taler, was minted in billon—a silver-copper alloy—designed for everyday transactions in the bustling trade hub of Riga. Its modest denomination made it accessible for local commerce, reflecting the economic realities of the time.
The obverse of the coin bears the inscription MON.NOVA (3) CIVI:RIGE, denoting it as new money (moneta nova) of the city of Riga. The reverse features CHRISTINA D:G:REG:SVE:, proclaiming Queen Kristina’s title as "Dei Gratia Regina Sueciae" (By the Grace of God, Queen of Sweden). These inscriptions underscore the coin’s role as a symbol of Swedish sovereignty, blending local identity with imperial authority. The coin’s design is simple yet purposeful, with the obverse likely featuring Riga’s coat of arms or civic symbols and the reverse honoring the reigning monarch.

Numismatic Significance
Graded NGC MS 64, this Dreipölker is a remarkable example of preservation. The Mint State 64 designation indicates a coin with minimal wear, retaining nearly all its original mint luster and intricate details. Such condition is extraordinary for a coin from this turbulent era, where constant circulation and regional conflicts often left coins heavily worn. The high grade enhances its appeal to collectors, offering a pristine glimpse into 17th-century Baltic numismatics.

Cultural and Political Implications
The minting of the Dreipölker was more than an economic necessity; it was a political statement. By issuing currency in Riga, Sweden reinforced its control over Livonia, a region contested by neighboring powers like Poland-Lithuania and Russia. The coin’s circulation alongside other local and foreign currencies highlights Riga’s role as a cosmopolitan trade center, bridging Eastern and Western markets. The Dreipölker thus served as both a practical medium of exchange and a tool of propaganda, embedding Swedish influence into daily transactions.

Conclusion
The 1644 Livonia Riga Dreipölker, graded NGC MS 64, is a small but profound artifact of Swedish imperial ambition and Baltic history. Its well-preserved condition, combined with its historical and numismatic significance, makes it a coveted piece for collectors and historians alike. This coin encapsulates the economic policies, cultural exchanges, and political dynamics of 17th-century Northern Europe, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal era in the Baltic’s past.

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