Poland – Sigismund II Augustus (1544–1572) – ½ Grosz (Half Grosz) – 1562 – Vilnius Mint A beautiful and historically important silver ½ Grosz (Half Grosz) of Sigismund II Augustus, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, struck in Vilnius in 1562. The obverse depicts the Lithuanian Vytis (Pahonia) – a mounted knight riding to the right, holding a sword and shield. The surrounding Latin legend identifies the ruler and his titles. The reverse features the Polish Eagle, surrounded by a Latin inscription, with the date 1562 below. The final digit of the date is in the characteristic 16th-century style and may appear somewhat similar to the letter “Z”. Coin details: Ruler: Sigismund II Augustus (1544–1572) Denomination: ½ Grosz (Half Grosz) Year: 1562 Mint: Vilnius (Wilno) Metal: Silver Period: 16th century Type: Hammered coin Reference: Kopicki 3267–3268 (type) The coin displays natural circulation wear and signs of age, while the main design elements, including the Vytis, Polish Eagle, legends and date, remain clearly visible. The irregular flan and characteristic striking are typical of Polish-Lithuanian hammered coinage of the period. An attractive piece of Polish-Lithuanian numismatic history, dating from the reign of one of the most important rulers of the Jagiellonian dynasty. The exact coin shown in the photographs is the coin offered in this auction.