World Silver Poland - 1658 TLB 18 Groszy (Tympf) PCGS MS98

Jan II Casimir, Ort Kraków 1658 TLB - nearly Mint ort from the times of Boratini's management. Slightly dull in places, but with a very nice shine and golden patina. Variety with borders on the obverse and reverse. The royal portrait is more slender. A variant with a title ending ET.SV.MD. This type is unusual in this condition.

Obverse: IO CAS D G REX POL & SV M D L R P Jan II Casimir, crowned and cuirassed bust facing right. Reverse: 1658 18 MON ARGEN T.L.B. REG POL with Polish coat of arms within shield. Literature: Kopicki 1763; Tyszkiewicz 1.50 mk; Shatalin KR58-V-6 (R2).

Portrait of Jan II Casimir Vasa by Daniel Schultz in c. 1658, the year this dramatic coin was struck. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

It was on March 22, 1609, that John Casimir Vasa was born in Krakow. His father was Sigismund III, who was the grandson of Gustav I of Sweden, who, in 1592 succeeded his own father to the Swedish throne. However, Sigismund III was deposed in 1599 by Charles IX of Sweden, who was his uncle. This resulted in an enduring feud whereby the Polish kings of the House of Vasa claimed the throne of Sweden, leading to the Polish-Swedish War of 1600-1629.

Additionally, Poland and Sweden were on opposite sides during the Thirty Years’ War of 1618-1648. In that conflict, however, Poland avoided partaking in major military campaigns and instead supported the Austrian Hapsburg and Catholic faction. Jan II Casimir’s mother, Queen Constance, was the daughter of Charles II of Austria and Maria Anna of Bavaria. Constance was also the younger sister of Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor.