Groschen (Kreuzgroschen)

Throughout its minting history (1325–1763), Stralsund maintained an independent monetary policy, separate from the rulers of Pomerania. The only restriction was a ban on striking coins when the ducal mint was inactive. Frequent and prolonged shutdowns of the mint deepened the monetary deficit, forcing the city to take action. In 1606, a hereditary agreement was signed with Duke Philipp Julius of Pomerania (1584–1625) to resume minting in both the ducal and municipal mints. In 1609, the duke restarted coin production in Franzburg, and the following year, Stralsund reopened its own mint. From 1610 to 1623, coin production was overseen by the mintmasters Matthias Howe, father and son. It was during this period that the first groschen coins, known in German as Kreuzgroschen, were introduced. To supplement circulation, thalers, half-thalers, and double thalers were also minted. Groschen emissions were substantial, lasting until 1614. Each *groschen* was valued at four Stralsund schillings or two Lübeck schillings. The coin dies featured two traditional element – the arrow and the cross – this time in a distinctive, outlined form. The arrow, depicted on the obverse, had symbolised Stralsund since its town charter was granted in 1234 and appeared on all its early modern coinage. The reverse displayed a Greek cross, typically symbolising the four corners of the Christian world. The coin’s legend included a biblical inscription from Psalm 54:3–5, a common feature of Pomeranian coinage in this period. Similar formulas appeared on coins issued by Pomeranian dukes and numerous Hanseatic cities. Genowefa Horoszko