Amsterdam 1578 5 stuivers
This specimen was lot 25013 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $1,680. The catalog description[1] noted,
"NETHERLANDS. Dutch Revolt. Siege of Amsterdam. 5 Stuivers, 1578. PCGS AU-58. Siege: December 1577 to 8 February 1578. Variety with Vase privy mark. Irregular octagonal uniface flan with crowned arms of Amsterdam within beaded border flanked by denomination (V-S) and date (15-78); vase privy mark above. This attractive and wholly original looking survivor exhibits rich pervasive slate patina. The central strike is bold, though the beaded border in the upper right quadrant is a bit weak, while the privy mark is full and complete with good definition. Clearly this example was given great care and sat for a prolonged period of time undisturbed adding to its originality and pleasing appearance.
Amsterdam being a Catholic city was loyal to Spain and were hesitant to join the revolt. On 8 February 1578, the city reluctantly and only after being blockaded did they join against Spain. The cities council was replaced with Protestants who were loyal to William of Orange. During the blockade there was a shortage of specie in commerce and the city was given authority to strike the necessary coins, though they needed to procure superfluous silver. As it turns out that silver that was gathered was the statue of the city's patron saint, St. Nicholas."
We note that five stuivers = one quarter gulden. Regular issues included the Lion daalder (40 stuivers), the "prince" daalder (50 stuivers), the silver ducat (48 stuivers), the three gulden (57 stuivers) and the ducaton (silver rider or 60 stuivers).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 3.35 g, 22 mm x 21 mm.
Catalog reference: Korchnak-22; Mailliet-pl. IV #13; van Gelder-112A; MO-4.17.2.7.
- Delmonte, A., Le Bénélux D'or, Amsterdam: Jacques Schulman N.V., 1964, with supplements to 1977.
- Korchnak, Lawrence C., Siege Coins of the World, 1453-1902, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, 2021.
- van der Wis, Jan, and Tom Passon, Catalogus van de Nederlandse Munten geslagen sind bet aantreden van Philips II tot aan het einde van de Bataafse Republiek (1555-1806), 2nd ed., Apeldoorn, Netherlands: Omni-Trading b.v., 2009.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The January 2023 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Taraszka Collection and the Mark and Dottie Salton Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
Link to:
- Amsterdam 1578 20 stuivers siege issue
- Amsterdam 1578 40 stuivers siege issue
- Coins and currency dated 1578
- return to coins of Netherlands, Holland