Alice writes: I have a coin of unknown origin that I hope you can identify. It is dark brown in color, metal unknown; about 33mm in diameter; 3mm thick; weighs one ounce. Somewhat worn around the edges, but still readable. One side has a crest in the center, topped by a large crown. There are 3 smaller crowns; one on each side and one below the crest. The letters near the edge appear to be the following: R, F, I on the left; and S, G (or possibly O) on the right. There is a “centered dot” after each of the letters. The reverse is very clear. Two archery arrows in an X cross the center, with points at the top. There is a large crown at top center between the arrowhead points. On the left, inside the V of the crossed arrows, is “2 OR” — to the right, in the same position, is found “SM”. There is a centered dot between the 2 and the O, and after the R; and between the S and the M. At the bottom, between the arrow tail feathers of the arrows, is the date, sharp and clear – 1748. Does this coin have any value today?
You have a 1748 Sweden copper 2 Ore (weighs 28.3 grams). The coin was struck under King Frederick I (1720-1751) and was made under the supervision of Assayer Hans Malmberg. 461,000 pieces were struck. The coin served as small change in the 18th century Swedish monetary system:
- 8 Ore=1 Mark
- 32 Ore= 1 Daler
- 96 Ore=SM (silver money)= 1 Riksdaler=3 Daler SM or 9 Daler KM (copper Money).
Collector value depends on grade (condition). Approximate range: $1 – $35.
