Tantalus - the ancient coin registry

Coin Information: Tantalus S/N 34457

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Tantalus Coin Registry
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Coin type:Medieval
Entered by:mrichter   (Seller rating: 5.0 out of 5, based on 13 buyer responses)
Added on: Mar 11, 2009
Country:Russia
Ruler: Ivan IV GROZNY (the Terrible)
Coin:Good Silver Wire silver Polushka
- Bird facing with wings spread
- Text legend
Mint:Moscow (1533 - 1584)
Wt./Size/Axis:0.14g / 7mm / 0
References:
  • Gaidukov 17
Notes:Mar 11, 09 - This is the smallest coin in Russian history.

Attribution is from Gaidukov, P. Doctorate Program Thesis paper “Russian medieval coins with smallest face value. Chetveretzy, Polushkas and Pulos XIV-XVIIth centuries”, Moscow 1999, Russian Scientific Academy, Institute of Archaeology.

The English word terrible is usually used to translate the Russian word grozny in Ivan's nickname, but the modern English usage of terrible, with a pejorative connotation of bad or evil, does not precisely represent the intended meaning. Grozny's meaning is closer to the original usage of terrible—inspiring fear or terror, dangerous (as in Old English in one's danger), formidable, threatening, or awesome. Perhaps a translation closer to the intended sense would be Ivan the Fearsome.

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