Obverse: Draped and crowned bust of Sigismund III Vasa with large collar right.
Legend: . SIGISMVN . III . D : G (lion) REX . POL . M : D : L .
Reverse: Crown above denomination numeral (VI) and three shields of Poland, Lithuania and the House of Vasa.
Comment: Mint master´s initials (Gonzalo & Gobelius) below.
Legend: GROS . ARGENSEX . REG . POLONI . 99 .
Mint Place: Marienburg (Malborg)
Mint Masters: Gonzalo & Gobelius (privy marks: Diamond-Ring / Delta)
Reference: Gumowski 1153, Kopicki 1246 (large portrait). R!
Diameter: 28 mm
Weight: 4.69 gram of silver
Founded in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, the town is noted for its Gothic Marienburg Castle, one of the most striking in Europe. When during the Thirteen Years' War the castle was pawned to imperial Bohemian soldiers, who sold it to the King of Poland in 1457. Then the Teutonic Knights left the castle. The town of Marienburg under Mayor Bartholomäus Blume and others resisted the Poles for three further years. When the Poles finally took control, Blume was hanged and quartered, and fourteen officers and three knights with retainers were thrown into dungeons, where they met a miserable end.. A monument to Blume was erected in 1864.