2 Öre 1654 Sweden

This 2 Öre coin from 1654 was struck during Sweden's imperial push into Poland, a period when the nation was minting copper by the ton to fuel its wars and trade.

We know it was produced at the Avesta mint, using copper sourced from the vast Falun mines, which supplied much of Europe's metal at the time. The obverse features Queen Christina's portrait, her reign marked by intellectual pursuits amid political turmoil. She abdicated later that year, making this one of her final issues. Reverse designs varied, but typically included the Three Crowns, a symbol of Swedish sovereignty.

Records from the 17th century are spotty; we don't know the exact mintage, as many ledgers burned in later fires. What we can say is that these coins circulated widely in the Baltic, often showing wear from constant use.

If you're hunting for one, expect patina from centuries underground—copper doesn't age gracefully.