1/2 thaler on the occasion of the Szczecin tribute

During the Third Northern War (1700-1721), Szczecin came under Prussian administration (1713). The Peace of Stockholm confirmed the annexation of a part of Swedish West Pomerania to Prussia in 1720. Sweden transferred these territories and the islands Usedom and Wolin for two million thalers. In 1721, King Frederick William I of Prussia (1713-1740) received homage from the townsfolk in the castle courtyard in Szczecin. On that occasion, commemorative coins and medals were minted in Berlin in similar, strongly official representation schemes. The half-thaler contains no new developments. The portrait of the King wearing armour and a sash appears in the traditional profile. Long hair combed back and tied with a ribbon forms a thin long braid. The slightly raised head reveals a proud and self-confident man. Interestingly, there are no symbols of Friedrich Wilhelm's authority on the stamp. The portrait is accompanied only by the royal titles (King of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg), without the title of Pomerania, in contrast to the coins of the Great Elector Frederick William minted on the occasion of the capture of Szczecin in 1677. The letter L under the shoulder is a medallic artist, Christian Friedrich Lüders' signature. The coin's reverse is limited to a multi-line inscription in the stamp field, confirming the event. The FM initials belong to the Berlin medal-maker Friedrich Eberhard Marl, author of many monetary portraits of the successor of Friedrich Wilhelm I - Frederick II. The reign of Friedrich Wilhelm I did not meet with the approval of the inhabitants of Pomerania. The system he had introduced was based on high taxes and a standing army, which in alliance with the landed gentry (junkers) became the basis for Prussian militarism.

Genowefa Horoszko