Two copper coins of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from the 17th century were received in the collection of Park-Museum of Military Friendship–1444. Both of them are shillings and were minted during the reign of king John II Casimir Vasa (1648–1668).
Of particular interest is the first specimen, which was struck twice, which is unequivocally indicated by the repetitions of the words in the inscriptions on both sides—on the obverse IOAN and on the reverse SOLI M. Moreover, during the second struck the core shifted and thus two identical circular inscriptions were formed, one below the other. The above-mentioned coins are also interesting from another point of view. In general, European copper coins are rare in the Bulgarian lands under Ottoman rule and up to now single specimens of these numismatic finds have been published. It is claimed that the two coins were discovered in the Varna region. This fact can serve as evidence of the trade contacts of the Ottoman state and this geographical area in particular with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. One of the coins is perforated, which speaks of its secondary use as jewelry.
These relatively rare for the Bulgarian lands examples of European coinage from the XVII century are interesting examples of numismatics, which complement the monetary scene of the Varna region during the Ottoman period.
Standard catalogue of world coins. Seventeenth century 1601 – 1700. 4th edition. Ed. Bruce, C. et al. Krause publications 2008, p. 1159, KM#50.
Василев, Л. Два солида на град Рига под шведска власт от Пловдивско. – Реверс, 2, 2016, с. 27 – 30.
Кръстев, К. Монетни номинали в българските земи през XVI – XVII век. – Историкии, т. 10, Шумен, 2017, с. 77.
