10 Daler Copper

These coins were so massive that a single 10 Daler piece could weigh over 19 kilograms, turning a simple transaction into a feat of strength.

Minted in Sweden between 1644 and 1654, they served as a bulky form of currency backed by the country's copper reserves, intended for international trade rather than pocket change. The plates were hammered from pure copper, sometimes with edges marked to prevent clipping, though exact production methods vary by year.

Records from that era are spotty; we know Queen Christina's reign influenced their design, but mintage figures burned up in the 1697 Stockholm castle fire. As for myths, no, they weren't used as shields in battles—that's just collectors' fancy.

One dry note: Lugging one of these around made for an unintended workout, assuming you didn't just leave it at home.