Notae Numismaticae - Zapiski Numizmatyczne (2.1997)

15658 9. Intensity was high. In 1564 much effort was put to countersign
Italian coins, while in 1565 a lot of work was done to produce twogroats
and fougroats Later on, only fourgroats and double penny were manufac-
tured. Some data is available on the 1565-1569 contracts on production
of coins concluded by the mint of Vilnius '. These mention only double
penny, fourgroats and talers. The latter were either not produced or did
not survive. The above considerations do not contradict the facts of writ-
ten sources. It is worthwhile to recall, that the King acquired the house
for the mint in 1564. The same year the first coins were struck there. The
previous opinion would lead to an assumption that the mint was not esta-
blished and did not operate for at least one and a half year since the
house was bought. This is illogical, as Tykocin mint was founded due to
urgent, immediate needs. The mint of Vilnius was unfit to use silver re-
ceived from Italy10. On the other hand, the debt for the army was pressing.
No wonder, that the mint was founded in Tykocin. The king liked to reside
in Knyszyn close to Tykocin. The reserve of the king’s silver was stored at
Tykocin fortress11.

8 E. Ivanauskas, Lietuvos pinigu lobiai, paslepti 1389-1865 m., Vilnius 1995

9 Bibl. Kórnicka, Opis rękopisów 250, L. 40v.-41, L. 57-57v., L. 57v., L. 74-74v., L. 75v.

10 K. Kantecki, Sumy neapolitańskie, Warszawa 1881

11 Bibl. Kórnicka, Opis rękopisów 250, L. 118v., L. 119

104