Witten (1/192 of a thaler)

The reign of Swedish King Charles XI (1655–1697) in Western Pomerania saw a marked increase in coin production, particularly in medium denominations. The smallest coins, wittens, were minted intermittently at the Szczecin mint between 1666 and 1690. Rising silver prices across Europe led to a decline in coin quality, prompting provincial authorities to introduce reforms. In 1667, the Treaty of Zinna (Germany) established a new minting standard and exchange rate, which contributed to inflation. Only thalers remained full-value coins, as they continued to be minted according to the Reich’s traditional standard. In 1672, the Szczecin mint was leased to Daniel Syvertz, who, as mintmaster, was responsible for supplies, staff, wages, and, most importantly, the quality of minted coins. Strict limits were set on the silver content of small denominations. The total witten mintage was capped at 1,500 thalers, resulting in only two short emissions in 1673 and 1674. Thus, from one Cologne mark of fine silver (weighing 233.856 g and equivalent to one thaler), a nominal 192 *wittens* were struck. Although precise records are lacking, it is believed that the rising silver price affected the actual silver content of the coins. The wittens were designed according to the Pomeranian iconographic tradition for this denomination. The obverse features Pomeranian heraldic symbols, while the reverse bears the coin’s name or value. Specimens minted under Daniel Syvertz’s lease stand out due to certain distinctive details. The reverse features a royal orb with a cross, inscribed with the value “192” – a design element previously characteristic of groschen coins. Surrounding the orb is the motto: IN JEHOVA SORS MEA ("My fate is in God"), which was the personal motto of Charles XI’s father, Charles X Gustav. Genowefa Horoszko