Sweden (Stockholm) 4 Öre 1592 - Johan III (1568-1592)

4.04g. AU/AU. A superb piece, distinguished by vibrant Mint luster, bold relief, and an exceptional level of preservation. This type is seldom encountered in such quality — only one finer example is recorded in CoinArchives (MISAB 15, Lot 113), with all others notably lower in grade. 

Type III. 

Obv.: Crowned Folkungs lion rampant left; “+IOHANNES·3·D G·SVECIE·GOT·VA·REX”. 

Rev.: Three Crowns; at sides value 4 – ÖR; below, date 159Z; “×MONETA×NOVA×REGIS×SVECIE”. 

SM 71. 

Very rare. 

Historical Context:

The coin reflects the complex and transformative era of Johan III (reigned 1568–1592), son of Gustav Vasa and a key figure in the consolidation of Swedish royal power during the Reformation.

After deposing his half-brother Erik XIV in 1568, Johan sought to strengthen Sweden’s position as a European power. He maintained Lutheranism as the state religion but pursued liturgical reforms influenced by Catholic tradition, leading to tensions within the realm and with his staunchly Protestant son and successor, Sigismund.

Johan III’s reign was also marked by cultural refinement and diplomatic ambition. He was deeply interested in art, architecture, and theology, and he fostered court culture along Renaissance lines. His coinage reflects this shift — moving away from purely functional designs to more stylized, symbolic, and internationally influenced types.

This 1592 4 Öre, struck in Stockholm, is emblematic of this late period in Johan’s rule, when the kingdom stood at the crossroads between Catholic heritage and Protestant identity, medieval legacy and early modern ambition.

The use of Latin inscriptions and classic heraldic motifs underscores Sweden’s desire to position itself as a legitimate and equal player among the great powers of Europe. Coinage was a direct instrument of this message — a statement of royal legitimacy, stability, and sovereignty.