The late medieval treasure of gold coins from Smolniki near Iława
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Online publication date: 2017-07-04
Publication date: 2017-07-05
KMW 2017;296(2):221-231
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ABSTRACT
The hoard of coins from Smolnik (formerly Alteiche, Kreis Rosenberg) was discovered in the early 1930s.
A forestry worker came across the 19 well-preserved gold coins in the sandy soils of the forest. The hoard consisted
of a total of 15 nobles and 3 half-nobles of the English King Edward III (1327–1377) and one franc á cheval of the
French King John II ‘the Good’ (1350–1364). Based on the work of Prof. Grollmus of Iława, the author aims to
carry out an analysis of the structure of the hoard. It is also very important to interpret the phenomenon of the
inflow of gold coins to Prussia. The second half of the XIV century until the start of the 15th century was a period
of increased trade relations between the Order and England. In addition, there is an increase in crusading, which
includes the Teutonic Order’s campaigns into Lithuania. Guests of the Order participated in these, including English crusaders.