Austrian Netherlands 1756(h) 1/2 kronenthaler KM-20
This specimen was lot 742 in Jean Elsen sale 158 (Brussels, March 2024), where it sold for €80 (about US$104 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BRABANT, Duché, François Ier (1745-1765), AR demi-couronne, 1756, Anvers. D/ Aigle impériale couronnée, entourée du collier de la Toison d'or. R/ Croix de Bourgogne entre trois couronnes. Taches au droit. Griffes au revers. Très Beau. (duchy of Brabant, Francis I, 1745-65, Very Fine.)"
Belgium, long a part of Hapsburg Spain, was awarded to Charles VI of Austria by the Treaty of Utrecht which ended the War of the Spanish Succession. Fortified by the Dutch and constantly menaced by the French, the Austrians quickly discovered Belgium to be a worthless addition to their domain. This type was struck in 1755-79 during the reign of Maria Theresia (KM 19) and Francis I (KM 20, shown here, struck 1755-65). It replaced the half ducaton in 1755 but retained many stylistic features. The Austrians lost Belgium to Revolutionary France in 1797.
Reported Mintage: 427,000 (including KM 19 for Maria Theresia).
Specification: 14.72 g, 0.873 fine silver; this specimen 14,48 g.
Catalog reference: KM 20, W. 1128; Delm-385; V.K. 167.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 158, Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
Link to:
- 1754 demi-ducaton, Antwerp mint
- 1754 ducaton, Bruges mint
- 1754 ducaton, Antwerp mint
- 1755 half kronenthaler, Antwerp mint, Maria Theresia
- 1755 kronenthaler, Antwerp mint, Francis I
- 1756 half kronenthaler, Antwerp mint, Maria Theresia
- 1756 kronenthaler, Antwerp mint, Francis I
- 1756 demi-souverain d'or, Antwerp mint
- 1756 souverain d'or, Vienna mint
- 1757 half kronenthaler, Antwerp mint, Maria Theresia
- 1757 half kronenthaler, Antwerp mint, Francis I
- Coins and currency dated 1756