Adolphin

The term Adolphin refers to a historical silver coin from Sweden that was minted during the reign of King Adolph Frederick between 1751 and 1771. It is a silver 2-mark coin that received this popular nickname due to its portrait of the ruler and its characteristic design. In reference to the monarch’s official name, the coin was popularly called ‘Adolphin’ – a practice that was widespread in many European countries to associate minted coins with the name of the respective ruler. In Sweden’s official coinage system, this coin was part of the so-called Carolin series, which also included other denominations. However, the Adolphin stands out in particular because it bears the portrait of King Adolph Frederick on the obverse, thus demonstrating a close connection between coinage and propaganda for the ruler.
In a numismatic context, the Adolphin is an interesting example of coinage in 18th-century Sweden. The reign of Adolph Frederick was marked by political tensions between the king and the Riksdag, as well as economic challenges that were also reflected in the coinage. Despite limited royal power, coinage remained an important means of expressing state sovereignty, and coins such as the Adolphin were produced with a high level of craftsmanship. The coin is made of silver and features the classic coin design typical of Swedish coins of that period: the portrait of the ruler with his title on the obverse and, on the reverse, usually the Swedish coat of arms and the value. The Adolphin was used as a trade coin both at home and abroad and was widely used and valued for its stable metal value and clear markings.
Today, the Adolphin is a sought-after collector’s item, impressive both for its historical significance and its artistic design. Its relatively short period of minting and its connection to the king give the coin a special status within Scandinavian numismatics. Furthermore, the coin reflects the political culture of Swedish absolutism, in which coins served not only as a means of payment but also as a symbol of power and legitimacy. The Adolphin is thus exemplary of an era in which the royal portrait on coins was more than just decoration – it was a clear political statement in silver.