*schilling* (thick pfennig)

Stralsund was the only Pomeranian city to hold a perpetual minting privilege from 1325, granting it full rights over its coinage, including independent emissions, weight standards, and stamp designs. During the late Middle Ages, the city formed numerous monetary alliances with other Pomeranian towns and dukes to coordinate a shared coinage policy. This led to the introduction of larger-denomination coins, such as wittens and schillings, formerly known as *thick pfennigs* (Grosspfennige). The first schillings minted in Stralsund appeared around 1416 but quickly disappeared from circulation. These were heavy coins, weighing over 2 grams, struck from high-quality 10.5-lötige silver (656/1000 fineness). The obverse featured an arrowhead and the inscription MONETA SVNDEN, while the reverse bore a cross pattee and the religious motto DEUS IN NOMINE TV. In 1428, schilling production resumed after Stralsund signed an agreement with four Pomeranian cities: Greifswald, Anklam, Demmin, and Szczecin, joined by the Pomeranian dukes: Casimir V of Szczecin, Wartislaw IX of Wolgast, and Barnim VIII of Barth. This second schilling issue retained the original design but introduced lower weight and silver content. Under the five-year agreement, new schillings weighing 1.5 grams were struck from an alloy containing 7¾ lötige silver (484/1000 fineness). After the initial term, the four towns west of the Oder, now without Szczecin, renewed the agreement to continue issuing lightweight schillings under the same conditions. These coins played a significant role in circulation, and the existence of multiple variants suggests intensive production lasting until the third quarter of the 15th century. Genowefa Horoszko