Hroshyk - Mikhail Olelkovich Countermark Group VI

Columns countermarks were still circulating in the Lithuanian-Horde borderlands at the beginning of the XVI century, as evidenced by coin hoards. Therefore, the revival of the old Lithuanian practice of countermarking (Group VI) in Mstislavl in 1481 does not seem surprising, when a conspiracy of Orthodox princes led by the grandson of Vladimir Olgerdovich, Mikhail Olelkovich, was being prepared with the aim of overthrowing the Grand Duke Casimir Jagiellon. The conspiracy was supported by the Moscow and Crimean authorities, but was uncovered due to an informant's report, and its initiators were executed. Researchers believe that the anchor-like princely symbol belonged to Mikhail Olelkovich, who was preparing to ascend the Lithuanian throne instead of Casimir.

Anchor-shaped countermarks of Mikhail Olelkovich are found on the following coins:

• Danghas of Uzbek (Crimea, 720 AH)
• Tatar-Genoese aspers
• Coins with the Columns countermark (referring to the "Columns of Gediminas")
• Danghas of the Great Horde
• Akches of Hacı I Giray
• Akches of Nur Devlet and Meñli I Giray

Image of countermark and variants of coins with it:

Сountermark over a dang of Uzbek, 720 AH, Crimea mint

Сountermark over a dang of Uzbek, 720 AH, Crimea mint, and Columns. Weight 0.70+ g.

Сountermark over an asper with the letter T

Сountermark over a dangha of the Great Horde