Austrian Netherlands 1713(h) liard
This specimen was lot 1609 in Jean Elsen sale 145 (Brussels, September 2020), where it sold for €150 (about US$214 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BRABANT, Duché, Charles VI (1711-1740), Cu liard, 1713, Anvers. Surfrappé sur un liard de Charles II. D/ B. à g. R/ Monogramme couronné. Très Beau. (duchy of Brabant, Charles VI, 1711-40, copper liard of 1713, Antwerp mint, struck over a liard of Charles II. Obverse: bust left; reverse: crowned monogram. Very Fine.)"
By the treaty of Utrecht, signed by France and Spain on one side and England, Holland and Austria on the other, Charles VI renounced his claim to the throne of Spain in exchange for Belgium and the former Spanish holdings in Italy. This coin, minted using Charles' title of Holy Roman Emperor rather than king, marks the transition from the Spanish Netherlands to the Austrian Netherlands. Fortified by the Dutch and constantly menaced by the French, the Austrians quickly discovered Belgium to be a worthless addition to their domain. Joseph II tried to trade Belgium for Bavaria, to no avail. During the French revolution, French armies quickly conquered and annexed the region. No coinage was issued for Belgium between this issue (unlisted in the SCWC) and 1749. The liard was the smallest denomination and was 1/240 of a ducaton.
Reported Mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, this specimen 3,07 g.
Catalog reference: W. 1110 var.; V.H. 794.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 145, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
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