Russia. Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible (1533-1584). 1/2 Silver Denga 1533-1547 Moscow Mint "Flying Bird" / rare type (No reserve price)

The half silver Denga coin minted in Moscow during the reign of Tsar Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, represents a significant piece of Russian numismatic history. Ivan IV ruled from 1533 to 1584, a period marked by major territorial expansion and centralization of power in Russia. The Denga was a small denomination coin widely used in daily transactions and was often made of silver or copper. This particular variety, minted between 1533 and 1547, is distinguished by the depiction of a 'Flying Bird,' a rare and unique motif that distinguishes it from more common coin types of the era. Such iconography may have symbolic or heraldic significance, reflective of the artistic styles and political messaging of the time. The coin’s production at the Moscow Mint aligns with Moscow’s status as the political and economic center of Russia during Ivan IV’s reign. Collectors value these coins not only for their silver content but also for their historical context, serving as tangible links to the turbulent and transformative period of the 16th-century Russian state. Coins like this are prized for their rarity and condition and are important artifacts illustrating the evolution of Russian currency and iconography.