Grosh (also Grosch, Grosz, Gros, Groš) is a small silver coin issued by a number of countries. Historically it was equal to between several and a dozen denarii. It was minted since the Middle Ages in the following states:
Later the tradition of Groshes was dropped in most states while others continued to mint only coins smaller than the original grosh. In Poland since 1526 these included coins of 1/2 grosz, 1 grosz, 1,5 grosz, 2 grosz, 3 grosz, 4 grosz and 6 grosz. Their weight gradually dropped to 1,8 grammes of silver and since 1752 they were replaced by copper coins of the same name.
In modern times the name was adopted by two currencies:
In Western Ukraine grosh is still a slang term for the kopiyka, a 1/100 part of a Hryvnia. The Ukrainian word for money, hroshi, ultimately derives from this term also.
Likewise, in Germany Groschen remained a slang term for the 10 Pfennig coin, thus a 1/10 part of a Deutsche Mark. The word has lost popularity with the introduction of the Euro, although it can still be heard on occasion, especially from older people.
Currencies of Poland | Modern obsolete currencies
Грош | Groschen | Grosz | Grosso (moneta) | グロシュ | Groot | Grosz