Description

Władysław III of Poland, also known as Ladislaus of Varna (1424–1444), was King of Poland and Supreme Duke of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania from 1434, and King of Hungary and Croatia from 1440 until his death at the Battle of Varna. He was the eldest son of Władysław II Jagiełło and Lithuanian noblewoman Sophia of Halshany. Władysław succeeded his father just before turning ten, with Cardinal Zbigniew Oleśnicki acting as regent. His legitimacy was contested by Lesser Polish nobles who supported Siemowit V of Masovia. Spytko III of Melsztyn, a sympathizer with the Czech Hussites, opposed Oleśnicki's regency but was killed at the Battle of Grotniki in 1439, ending the hostilities.

Władysław faced challenges from the Polish–Teutonic War and internal conflicts in Lithuania. The Teutonic Knights, supporting Švitrigaila, were defeated at the Battle of Wiłkomierz, leading to the Peace of Brześć Kujawski in 1435, which curtailed Teutonic influence. Elected King of Hungary and Croatia in 1440, Władysław faced opposition from the Habsburgs and the Ottoman Empire. Encouraged by the papacy, he launched the Crusade of Varna against the Ottomans but was killed in battle. His body was never recovered, leading to various legends. Władysław was succeeded in Poland by his younger brother Casimir IV and in Hungary-Croatia by Ladislaus V the Posthumous.

Obverse

Depicts the fourfold coat of arms: Hungarian Árpád stripes, Polish eagle, Lithuanian rider, Hungarian double cross within inner circles within inner pearl circle, lettering around "Wladislaus, by the grace of God, King of Hungary". A decoration of pearls runs around the edge.

The coat of arms of Lithuania features an armour-clad knight on horseback holding a sword and shield, also known as Vytis. Unlike most European coats of arms, it is derived from ducal portrait seals rather than dynastic symbols. The knight, first mentioned in the Tobolsk Chronicle as a symbol of Narimantas, appears on the 1366 seal of Grand Duke Algirdas and on coins from the late 14th century, which also feature the Columns of Gediminas. The knight on a heraldic shield was prominent by the 14th century, and at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, thirty out of forty Lithuanian regiments bore the "charging knight" banner.

+ WLADISLAVS · D · G · R · VNGARIE

Reverse

Depicts Ladislaus I (Saint Ladislas) holding his battle-axe and orb with a halo above his crowned head with the Latin inscription "Sanctus Ladislaus Rex" (Saint Ladislaus the King). On either side of the depiction, an Anjou lily is placed. A bead-like pattern runs around the edge.

Ladislaus I (1040–1095), also known as Saint Ladislas, ruled as King of Hungary from 1077 and King of Croatia from 1091. He was the son of King Béla I of Hungary and Richeza of Poland. Initially, Ladislaus and his brother Géza supported their cousin Solomon as king, but their relationship soured, leading to rebellion. After Géza's death, Ladislaus became king, facing resistance from Solomon and German King Henry IV. Ladislaus focused on restoring public safety, implementing strict laws, and expanding Hungary's territory into Croatia. He secured the kingdom's eastern borders against threats from the Pechenegs and Cumans. Ladislaus clashed with the Holy See over Croatia's sovereignty. Canonized in 1192, he is revered as a pious knight-king and remains a popular saint in Hungary and neighboring countries.

· S · LADISLA AVS · REX
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Edge

1 Florin

Kingdom
Huszar# 597 Unger# 466
Characteristics
Production Hammering
Material Gold
Fineness 0.986
Weight 3.44 g
Diameter -
Thickness -
Shape round

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