Ivan IV, the Terrible
Born 1530 A.D.,  Tzar, 1547-1584 A.D.

Silver Denga, 11 by 10 mm, 0.3 grams
O:  Ivan on horseback.
R:  Inscription.
Struck by Ivan IV as "Great Prince", 1533-1547 A.D.

Ivan IV, known as "Ivan the Terrible" was the first Russian ruler to be crowned tzar and to hold that official title.  He centralized the administration of Russia and expanded the boundaries of the Russian empire.  The first part of Ivan's reign is considered the "constructive period", with advances in Russian territories and trade, government reforms, new law codes, and delineation of the responsibilities of the aristocracy.  Following the death of his first wife, in 1560, he withdrew from Moscow and threatened to abdicate, blaming his advisors and the aristocracy for her death.  He agreed to return when given substantially increased powers.  He used those powers to exact a terrible revenge on the aristocracy.

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