SWEDEN. Daler, 1568/7. Stockholm Mint. Erik XIV (1560-68). NGC AU-53.Dav-8702; cf. AAH-11. Beautifully preserved quality for this early Swedish Daler, struck on a well made flan, with faint evidence of strike doubling on both sides, but no instance severe enough to distract the eye. The surfaces suggest centuries of exemplary care with fine, moderately hued earthen toned on both sides and almost no marks. Original luster, often absent on coinage from this period, is notably strong on the reverse. One of the very finest examples weve seen of this extremely elusive type, worthy of close attention from the perspective bidders, and ultimately deserving of inclusion in even the most advanced Swedish cabinet.<p><em>Eric XIV, born in 1533, was the eldest son of Gustav I and Catherine of Saxe-Lauenburg. His rule lasted exactly eight years, from September, 29 1560 until he was deposed on the same date in 1568. Regarded as intelligent and artistic, his political aspirations differed from his fathers, who was content ruling an independent state. By contrast, Eric pushed for territory expansion, attempting to broaden his influence into the Baltic region, ultimately becoming the ruler of Estonia after a 1561 conquest. Mental decay led to his insanity by 1563 and he was eventually deposed and imprisoned in 1568. Dying in 1577, the cause was long unknown until a modern examination of his remains in 1958 suggested poisoning by arsenic.</em>From the Collection of Dr. James Eustace Bizzell, II.<p>Ex: Jan Andersson Collection; Hirsch Mynthandel 1974.
