Swedish Copper Plate Money
Sweden, Europe
1715
Early in the 17th century, Sweden’s large copper mines supplied most of Europe’s copper. To keep the price high and to offset declining reserves of silver, in 1644 the Swedish government decided to issue copper coins whose metallic content was equivalent in value to its silver coins even though the result was larger coins. The 8 daler plate measured 13 by 27 inches and weighed 43 pounds; even the original one daler plate weighed 3.5 pounds. The weight and size of the plates made them cumbersome to use so a Stockholm bank began issuing banknotes (paper money) in exchange for copper plates. Sweden ceased issuing the copper plate money around 1776.
This copper coin from 1715 measures 5”x5.75” and weighs 1 lb. 10.25 oz. BCHS accession number H1893-004-1538
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