Coins issued in 1756

Levenez

States often solve problems by using the monetary system. Until 1756, the Baltic countries, which were located on the territory of present-day Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, used European money in their calculations.
According to the Treaty of nishtad, Livonia was a part of Russia, but in the States the duodenal system was used, and Thaler as the main coin. During the preparation for the seven Years war, the number of Russian soldiers in the Baltic States increased. The Russian Empire became unprofitable to use such a monetary system, because of the unfavorable exchange rate.
The introduction of the decimal system, which operated in Russia, was long and expensive, so it was decided to produce coins like thalers and their derivatives. In 1756, minted silver coins with a value of 96 cents, 48 cents, they were called levenez, the name of the attached state Livoesthonica.
Of 96 cents coins are made of silver 750. On the obverse there is a profile of Elizabeth I. the Coin has an unusual design: a portrait of the Russian Empress and an inscription in Latin. The circular inscription is executed at the top of the coin, not completely in a circle. Portrait of Elizabeth is not in the center, and shifted down.
On the reverse side: coat of arms in the form of a double-headed eagle, with three crowns at the top. In paws of an eagle – the Orb and the scepter. On the eagle's breast two arms. There are two variants of coinage, which differ in inscriptions. On one, on the reverse side of the coin is the inscription: MONETA LIVON ET ESTLAND. On the other: MONETA LIVOESTHONICA. Words are separated by dots and decorative elements in the form of flowers. The inscription indicates the year of issue – 1756, and the nominal figures – 96. The side surface of the coins is relief, patterned.
Levenez were produced for circulation, but the coins were printed a small amount, since the production lasted only two years. As a result of the lack of silver, foreign coins were used for coinage. These banknotes for the Baltic provinces of Russia are considered a rarity because of their historical value and rarity.